First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has officially opened Edinburgh Airport’s £75 million terminal expansion, the biggest project in a generation at the airport.
Part of a wider £200 million investment programme at Scotland’s busiest airport, the expansion enhances the airport’s connectivity options and will support passenger growth to twenty million passengers.
The expansion delivers new gates, new aircraft stands and new international and domestic passenger arrivals halls, as well as new baggage reclaim areas and an extended immigration hall. It also has new retail and food and beverage outlets, including the world’s first BrewDog airport bar.
It’s the start of a larger programme of investment in key terminal and airfield facilities over the next 5 years, with almost £300 million being spent on a new baggage system, more new stands, improved check-in facilities and a new access road
The First Minister received a tour of the terminal expansion from Gordon Dewar, the airport’s Chief Executive. She also spoke to staff and passengers in the Special Assistance seating area which was designed with the help of users.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“I am delighted to open this terminal expansion, further establishing Edinburgh Airport as a gateway to Scotland from the rest of the UK and internationally.
“Edinburgh Airport not only supports our business and tourism sectors but employs 700 people directly and 7,000 through partner businesses – I was particularly pleased to meet engineering apprentices who are learning their trade in a fast-paced environment such as aviation.
“This £75 million investment will future-proof the airport for continued growth. As an outward looking nation, it is now more important than ever that we enhance connectivity with our European partners and with the rest of the world.”
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said:
“This is of course an investment in Edinburgh Airport but it’s also an investment in Scotland’s economy and future as we are a facilitator of many things, from business and tourism to culture and education.
“More than 14 million people come through our doors every year and we have invested to accommodate even more as more and more people choose air travel to come to Scotland or to visit the world around us. We want that experience to be as positive as possible and this expansion provides greater options, including the ability to achieve greater connectivity.
“I’m delighted to be able to show the First Minister what we have delivered and to demonstrate the commitment and dedication that our staff and everyone involved in the construction of this expansion. I can think of no better reward than having the First Minister here to celebrate their work.”
Background
Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport, handling more than 14.3 million passengers in 2018 – a record for any Scottish airport. The busiest ever month in Scottish aviation history was recorded at Edinburgh in July 2018 with 1,501,988 people passed through.
The airport flies to more than 150 destinations with more than 30 airlines.
A 2016 independent economic impact study showed we contributed over £1 billion per year to the Scottish economy, supporting 23,000 jobs across Scotland – that’s 2,000 jobs and £90m GVA for every million passengers.
