Mark Johnston appointed Edinburgh Airport chief executive

Mark Johnston, currently chief operating officer at London Gatwick, has been appointed chief executive of Edinburgh Airport and will take up the role on 1 October.

Johnston succeeds Gordon Dewar, who is stepping down after 14 years as chief executive. Johnston was previously managing director of Glasgow Airport and will return to Edinburgh, where he was born and raised.

During his two and a half years at Gatwick, Johnston was responsible for airport operations and played a role in projects including the introduction of next-generation security technology and airfield performance improvements. Gatwick also cited the implementation of intelligent arrivals spacing as one of the projects delivered during his tenure.

His appointment comes as Edinburgh Airport begins a major investment programme. The airport has announced plans to invest more than £500m over the next five years.

Johnston said the investment programme would provide an opportunity to build on the airport's growth and strengthen its connectivity, while working with the existing team.

Dewar has led Edinburgh Airport since 2012. During his tenure, passenger numbers increased from 9m to almost 17m in 2025, while the airport expanded its airline and route network. Edinburgh Airport recorded its highest annual passenger total in 2025 and remains Scotland's busiest airport.

Stewart Wingate, managing director of VINCI Airports in the UK, said Johnston's experience in airport operations and strategic projects would support the next phase of Edinburgh Airport's development. VINCI Airports owns 50.01% of Edinburgh Airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners, part of BlackRock, managing the remaining 49.99%.

Gatwick said it will announce Johnston's successor as chief operating officer in due course.