Work has started on an £80 million project to expand Edinburgh airport as it looks to cater for increasing passenger numbers.
Building a new three-storey extension to the terminal is the beginning of a plan to help the airport handle forecast record numbers of passengers.
The expansion is part of a £220 million capital investment programme to support growth and maintain operational standards over the next five years.
The expansion is due to be completed by summer 2018 and will create new boarding gates and seating areas between gates 13 and 14.
It is designed to support forecast growth of up to 16.5 million passengers by 2021 and beyond.
It will provide:
• Extended immigration, customs and international reclaim facilities
• A new home for the domestic reclaim hall, enabling the expansion of the baggage hall into the current domestic reclaim area
• New shops, food and drink options, toilets, property and office space, VIP lounges, and retail storage
• Six new gates, gate seating areas and connectivity via a series of fixed links, stairs and air bridges to the new stands
Chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “This is a major investment for the capital and Scotland and further establishes Edinburgh airport as one of the most innovative and forward thinking airports in the UK.
“We are Scotland’s busiest airport and the fastest growing airport in the UK – and that demand is only going to grow with the record numbers of passengers we expect to see passing through the terminal.”
He added: “There have been times this summer where we’ve experienced busy periods that have impacted on our service and this investment in new facilities will ensure we have the infrastructure needed to handle more passengers and provide them with a positive experience whether arriving or departing.
“As Scotland’s gateway to the world, it’s vital that we have first class infrastructure and we will continue to invest in that, creating more jobs, supporting the economy and opening up Scotland to the world.”
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