Edinburgh Airport £500m expansion plan labeled 'climate vandalism' by Scottish Greens MSP
It comes after plans to expand and improve the existing terminal at Edinburgh Airport were announced
An Edinburgh Greens MSP has blasted plans to expand Edinburgh Airport, labelling the move “an act of climate vandalism”.
Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill, Scottish Greens MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East, issued her blistering assessment of the plans after it was announced on Monday that a £500 million investment would go towards increasing capacity, expanding the terminal size and supporting new global routes.
Ms Kinross-O’Neill said that there was a “wilful ignorance” behind the decision to greenlight the new expansion plans for Scotland’s busiest airport, which is due to be completed by summer 2027.
She said: “After a summer filled with wildfires in our very own city, and heatwaves that have led to loss of life, the last thing that should be happening is an expansion of an already big and busy airport by national standards.
“These plans are an act of climate vandalism, and there is a wilful ignorance towards the pressure that even more daily flights would put on our climate efforts.”
The MSP, who has represented the region since May 2026, added: “The average family going abroad on holiday once a year is not to blame here. It is the operators and owners who willingly put profits before the planet that must be held responsible for their contributions towards our climate breakdown.
“Millions of people pass through Edinburgh Airport every year, bringing eyewatering sums for the owners in the hundreds of millions region, to go alongside every other airport they operate. Trying to expand on that even further to compete with the likes of London airports when the world is on fire is completely out of touch.”
The historic investment is the largest capital programme in the airport’s history, with First Minister John Swinney making a visit to the site of the South East Pier expansion as part of Monday’s announcement.
The plans include new gates, new aircraft stands, an expanded check-in hall and departure lounge, new retail and food areas and new international arrival facilities and baggage reclaim areas.
Mr Swinney said that the expansion will allow Edinburgh Airport to “compete with airports around the world”, adding: “Alongside delivering real benefits to passengers, this boost will support Scotland’s international connections and help drive economic growth.
“Scotland is open for business and we want to maintain and strengthen Scotland’s position as the most attractive place in the UK for inward investment outside of London and the South East. Opportunities like this airport expansion will help make that happen.”
Outgoing Edinburgh Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “Our growth has cemented our position as Scotland’s busiest and best-connected airport, and we know the important role we play in supporting economic growth in Scotland and the UK. This investment will strengthen our international competitiveness by growing Scotland’s connectivity.”
Mr Dewar, who will be replaced by London Gatwick boss Mark Johnston next month after 14 years in the top role, added: “This is the first phase of a multi-year plan that ensures we are building for our future, creating the capacity, capability and customer experience we need and want.
“It’s part of a wider vision that will see us invest in infrastructure, operations and sustainability, ensuring Edinburgh Airport continues to deliver for passengers, airlines, communities and the Scottish economy for decades to come.”