Edinburgh Airport announces £500m expansion plan

Edinburgh Airport has announced a £500 million investment programme, titled ‘Our Future’, marking the largest capital investment in its history. The five-year plan aims to increase the terminal footprint by 60%, add new gates and aircraft stands, and expand check-in and departure facilities to support growing passenger demand and new international routes.

Balfour Beatty is involved in the South East Pier Expansion (SEPEX), a £65 million phase of the project. First Minister John Swinney visited the site, noting that the investment will help the airport compete globally and drive economic growth in Scotland.

The expansion has faced criticism from the Scottish Greens, who described the plans as ‘an act of climate vandalism’ and ‘wilful ignorance’ regarding the climate emergency. They argued that increasing flight capacity contradicts necessary climate efforts.