Edinburgh Airport unveils £500m investment plans amid calls to get the basics right
Edinburgh Airport has come under fire for frustrating passenger experiences in recent months
Edinburgh Airport has set out a £500 million terminal expansion project amid calls for the facility to get the basics right.
The plans, first revealed by The Scotsman in February, include significant improvements across terminal expansion, airport infrastructure, passenger facilities and operational operations, helping prepare Scotland's busiest airport for future growth.
As part of the blueprint, more than £500m is poised to be spent over the next five years in the biggest investment in Edinburgh Airport’s history.
But the airport has come under pressure for waiting times and problems facing passengers.
READ MORE: New Edinburgh Airport chief urged to 'improve urgently' passenger experience after complaints
Research by consumer group Which? found Edinburgh Airport was rated the worst of 27 across the UK for baggage waiting times - and fifth worst overall.
That came after regular travellers levelled criticism on the airport, including former SNP MP Douglas Chapman, who branded the facility a “disorganised, unwelcoming shambles”.
Conservative MSP for the Lothians, Miles Briggs, told The Scotsman that “many passengers’ experience has fallen far short of the standard they would expect recently”, adding that “this must improve urgently”.
Liberal Democrat Edinburgh West MP, Christine Jardine, added: "I want to see rapid improvements for passengers in those key arrival and departure areas where Edinburgh risks falling behind global standards.”
The investment plans include new gates, new aircraft stands, an expanded check-in hall and departure lounge and an overall terminal footprint increase of 60 per cent.
The blueprint includes new retail, food, and beverage areas and new international arrival facilities and baggage reclaim areas.
Airport chiefs have argued the project will support new long-haul and short-haul routes, growing connectivity between Scotland and key locations across Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.
First Minister John Swinney visited the airport to mark the plan being announced.
He said: “This significant investment will enable Edinburgh Airport to compete with airports around the world. Alongside delivering real benefits to passengers, this boost will support Scotland’s international connections and help drive economic growth.
“Scotland is open for business and we want to maintain and strengthen Scotland’s position as the most attractive place in the UK for inward investment outside of London and the South East. Opportunities like this airport expansion will help make that happen.”
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “This is the biggest investment in Edinburgh Airport’s history and comes at one of the most exciting points in its development, adding another important chapter to its story.
“Our growth has cemented our position as Scotland’s busiest and best connected airport, and we know the important role we play in supporting economic growth in Scotland and the UK. This investment will strengthen our international competitiveness by growing Scotland’s connectivity.”
He added: “This is the first phase of a multi-year plan that ensures we are building for our future, creating the capacity, capability and customer experience we need and want.
“It’s part of a wider vision that will see us invest in infrastructure, operations and sustainability, ensuring Edinburgh Airport continues to deliver for passengers, airlines, communities and the Scottish economy for decades to come.”
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