Edinburgh Airport sets out £500m investment programme
Edinburgh Airport has announced plans to invest more than £500m over the next five years in a programme that will expand its terminal footprint by 60% and increase capacity across passenger and airfield facilities.
Image: Balfour Beatty - Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney meets Nick Rowan, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Scotland, alongside early career colleagues helping to deliver Edinburgh Airport’s expansion programme.
Described as the largest capital investment programme in the airport’s history, the programme forms the first phase of a wider, multi-year development plan for the airport and its wider campus.
The programme includes eight new gates through an extension to the South East Pier, seven new Code C aircraft stands with airbridges, an expanded check-in hall and departure lounge, and additional international arrivals and baggage facilities.
The South East Pier extension is already under construction, with work having started in June 2025. The two-storey extension is scheduled to open in summer 2027 and will provide new passenger seating, retail facilities, toilets and operational space.
Further terminal works will include a 4,000 sq m expansion of the departure lounge, a 2,400 sq m extension to the departure baggage hall and a 5,000 sq m expansion of the international arrivals area. The latter will provide additional immigration capacity, including new e-gates and desks.
The airport also plans phased improvements to the terminal forecourt and plaza, including additional security capacity, changes to passenger circulation, new retail space and facilities for assisted travel.
Beyond the terminal, the programme includes improvements across the airport campus, including additional electric vehicle infrastructure and a new access road. The airport said the investment is intended to support additional short- and long-haul routes and increased connectivity between Scotland and markets in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.
The investment is being backed by Edinburgh Airport's owners, VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners. Balfour Beatty is delivering the South East Pier extension and associated infrastructure works.
The announcement comes as the airport prepares for a change of chief executive. Gordon Dewar, who has led Edinburgh Airport since 2012, is due to be succeeded by Mark Johnston, currently chief operating officer at Gatwick Airport, on 1 October.