Edinburgh Airport unveils £500m investment plan as terminal set to grow by 60%

Edinburgh Airport has unveiled a £500 million investment programme that will expand the airport’s terminal and infrastructure as it prepares for future passenger and airline growth.

The five-year programme is the largest capital investment programme in Edinburgh Airport’s history, with the first phase already underway and the airport’s terminal footprint set to increase by 60%.

The investment will focus on expanding the terminal, increasing aircraft capacity and improving facilities for passengers as Edinburgh continues to grow as Scotland’s busiest airport.

Eight new departure gates

One of the key projects within the programme is the expansion of Edinburgh Airport’s South East Pier.

The two-storey extension will provide eight additional departure gates, along with new passenger seating, retail facilities, toilets and operational space.

The first phase of the programme, including the South East Pier expansion, is due to be fully open in summer 2027.

The wider terminal transformation will also include an expanded check-in hall and departure lounge, alongside additional food, beverage and retail space.

More aircraft stands

The investment will also increase the airport’s ability to handle aircraft, with new aircraft stands being delivered as part of the programme.

A separate project will create seven full Code C stands with airbridges, helping improve aircraft connectivity while supporting the wider terminal expansion.

The additional capacity is designed to support future growth in aircraft movements and give airlines more opportunities to expand their operations from Edinburgh.

Terminal footprint to increase by 60%

The overall programme will increase Edinburgh Airport’s terminal footprint by 60%.

Alongside the new gates and aircraft stands, the airport plans to expand its departure lounge, baggage facilities and international arrivals areas.

The departure lounge will receive an additional 4,000 square metres of space, including a new food and beverage hub and expanded gate seating.

The baggage hall will also be extended by 2,400 square metres, with additional baggage carousels and storage facilities.

International arrivals will also see significant investment, with a new 5,000 square metre facility planned to expand immigration capacity and provide additional e-gates and processing space.

Investment designed to support new routes

For airlines, one of the most significant parts of the announcement is the additional capacity being created for future network growth.

Edinburgh Airport says the investment will support new short-haul and long-haul routes, helping strengthen connections between Scotland and destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.

The airport says the programme forms part of a wider long-term investment vision designed to increase capacity and improve the passenger experience while supporting Edinburgh’s role as an international gateway for Scotland.

Work already underway

Construction is already progressing on the South East Pier extension, with work having started in June 2025.

The first phase of the £500 million programme is expected to be completed in summer 2027, while further projects will continue to be delivered throughout the five-year investment programme.

The airport is also planning wider improvements across its campus, including a new access road, additional electric vehicle infrastructure and other infrastructure upgrades.

Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive Gordon Dewar said the investment would provide the capacity and infrastructure required for the airport’s future, while strengthening Scotland’s international connectivity.

With the terminal footprint set to grow by 60%, eight new departure gates being added and additional aircraft stands being delivered, the investment represents a major expansion of Edinburgh Airport’s infrastructure.

For passengers and airlines, the focus will now be on how quickly the additional capacity can translate into more routes, more aircraft and greater connectivity from Scotland.