Edinburgh Airport Launches £500 Million Expansion Project

Edinburgh Airport has launched the first phase of a £500 million capital project, the largest in its history, to be implemented over the next five years. The expansion will increase the terminal footprint by 60 percent, adding new gates, aircraft stands, an expanded check-in hall, a larger departure lounge, and enhanced retail and baggage facilities. The project also includes a new access road to support increased flight capacity following a record 17 million passengers in 2025.

The first phase is the £65 million South East Pier Expansion (Sepex), led by Balfour Beatty. This two-storey terminal expansion will add eight departure gates and is expected to reach completion in summer 2027. Balfour Beatty has already installed eight link bridges within the live airport environment and expects the project to employ over 300 people at its peak.

Funding for the broader investment is provided by joint owners VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners. First Minister John Swinney and CEO Gordon Dewar marked the announcement with a visit to the South East Pier site. The unveiling coincided with widespread UK flight disruptions caused by an air traffic control issue, which led to the cancellation of over 200 flights. Swinney pledged to engage with National Air Traffic Services to improve system resilience while promoting the airport investment as a signal that Scotland is open for business.