Edinburgh reveals plans for airport expansion to lure “7 billion people”

Plans for a major expansion project of Edinburgh Airport have been revealed as a public consultation begins on the airport’s plans over the next 25 years.

The ‘Masterplan 2016-2040’, which sets out a framework for the sustainable development of the airport, has been launched to kick start a six-week public consultation to help form final designs for the plans.

Proposals include enlarging the terminal building to create space for more passengers and facilities, creating a larger area for parking aircraft, expanding the cargo storage area and building a new link road to Gogar Roundabout.

The airport also plans to close its existing second runway because its configuration and size "are not suitable for frequent use".

Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive, Gordon Dewar, said: "At Edinburgh Airport our passenger numbers have grown more in the past three years than they did in the 10 years previous.

"We’ve grown by one million passengers each year since 2012. We’ve grown our route network, serving more destinations and working with more airlines than ever.

"We believe that this growth is good for Scotland. An independent study that was carried out earlier this year gives evidence to that – the activity at the airport generates almost £1 billion per year for the Scottish economy while supporting over 23,000 jobs.

"We also believe that growth will continue at Edinburgh Airport.

"Fundamentally we’re an importer of people. So we concentrate not on the five million Scots that we serve but on the seven billion people across the globe that wish to enjoy what our great country has to offer.

"Scotland is a great product. Our growth is driven by that product. Edinburgh is Scotland’s attack brand; it leads the rest of the country and will continue to do so, whether in terms of tourism or business. Scotland itself has a great global draw."

A dedicated Masterplan website will be set up to invite feedback, while three events will be held to gather public views; one at the airport for airport users/the general public; and for other stakeholders two further events at the Hilton and Marriot Hotels.

• More information here.