Edinburgh Airport terminal to grow by 60% in historic £500m revamp
The £500 million investment programme will see major improvements made to passenger facilities, infrastructure and operations, with the first phase already under way and the new South East Pier due to open in the summer of 2027.
Edinburgh Airport has announced a historic £500 million investment programme to expand its terminal, boost capacity and support new global routes.
The investment is the largest capital programme in the airport's history and will see major improvements made to passenger facilities, infrastructure and operations.
The first phase of the programme is already under way, with First Minister John Swinney visiting the site of the airport’s South East Pier expansion alongside Edinburgh Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar.
The new pier is due to open in the summer of 2027 and forms part of a wider plan to increase the capacity and improve the experience for passengers.
Projects included in the first phase will see the airport gain new gates to support route growth, as well as additional aircraft stands to allow more aircraft movements.
The terminal's check-in hall and departure lounge will also be expanded, with the overall terminal footprint set to increase by 60 per cent.
New and improved retail, food and drink facilities are also planned, alongside upgraded international arrivals facilities and baggage make-up and reclaim areas.
The airport said the investment will help support the introduction of new short-haul and long-haul routes, strengthening connections between Scotland and destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.
Further improvements made will also include a wider airport campus, including additional electric vehicle infrastructure and a new access road.
The programme is part of Edinburgh Airport’s wider sustainability strategy, with the airport saying the modernised infrastructure will provide opportunities for further low-carbon improvements.
First Minister John Swinney said the investment would allow Edinburgh Airport to “compete with airports around the world”.
He added: “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.”
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport 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.”
The airport’s owners, VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), said the £500 million investment demonstrated their confidence in its future growth. They said it would allow the airport to increase capacity while providing passengers with an “ever higher quality experience”.
Balfour Beatty is involved in delivering the infrastructure programme, with managing director for its Scottish business Nick Rowan highlighting the challenges of working within a live airport environment.
He said the company was proud to help deliver the infrastructure needed for the airport’s “next chapter”.