On checking I see that nearly all the traffic in and out of Leeds is domestic and European, for which the airport is well equipped. Most aircraft are 737,s, airbuses, along with turbo props and bmi Emb 145·s. etc. plus a few 757's
The long haul flights are few. The present operators, i.e jet2, KLM, Bmi, Ryanair, Thomas Cook and others all seem content with the present situation and are in fact contemplating further expansion in time. Most people seem to consider LBA´s accessability to be a problem but then local councillors, MPs, etc need to address this situation, for instance what about the rail link from the Horsforth Harrogate line? All this can be done, it just takes money and will power. But why move away?, and where to?
The airport has its problems with weather related issues, and that cannot be changed, some other airports are in similar situations.
Whilst the Govt have indicated they would consider a runway extension desirable those managing the airport have considered other matters of more importance. See the masterplan.
If the long haul traffic increases and the airlines such as PIA demand improvements to the runway capablities then this can be addressed, but most of the increase for the future is going to come from short to medium haul business.
We all live in the real world.