SCOTLAND’S FIRST MINISTER OPENS EDINBURGH’S TERMINAL EXPANSION

Edinburgh Airport’s £75 million terminal expansion, the biggest project in a generation at the gateway, was officially opened today by Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

Part of a wider £200 million investment programme at Scotland’s busiest airport, the airport claims that the expansion enhances its connectivity options and will support passenger growth to twenty million passengers.

The project 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 ofinvestment in key terminal and airfield facilities over the next five 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.

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.”   

Dewar, noted: “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.”