Edinburgh Airport's Expansive Layout: Size And Significance

Edinburgh Airport is located 9.3km west of Edinburgh city centre in Scotland. It is the country's busiest airport, with 34 to 35 airlines flying to over 150 destinations worldwide. The airport has two runways and a single passenger terminal. It is served by Edinburgh Trams, a light rail link, and can be reached by the M8 and M9 motorways. Edinburgh Airport has experienced significant growth, with 11.3 million passengers in 2022, 14.4 million in 2023, and a record-breaking 15 million in 2024, making it the sixth busiest airport in the United Kingdom.

Edinburgh Airport's contribution to the Scottish economy

Edinburgh Airport is located in the Ingliston area of Edinburgh, Scotland, around 9.3 km (5.8 miles) west of the city centre. It is the busiest airport in Scotland and the sixth busiest in the United Kingdom. In 2023, 14.4 million passengers travelled through the airport, a 28% increase from 2022. The airport serves over 152 international destinations and is accessible via the M8, M9, and M90 motorways.

Edinburgh Airport plays a significant role in the Scottish economy, contributing almost £1 billion annually, according to a 2016 report by consultancy firm Biggar Economics. The airport supports thousands of jobs, with estimates ranging from 20,000 to 28,000. In 2019, the airport generated £1.4 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) for the Scottish economy. The airport's economic impact extends beyond its immediate operations, including the revenue generated by on-site shops, food and drink outlets, off-site hotels and car parks, and its contribution to the tourism and freight sectors.

The airport's importance to the Scottish economy is underscored by its ability to attract international airlines and passengers. Edinburgh Airport serves as a hub for 35 airlines, providing direct connections to cities across continental Europe and beyond. The airport's capacity for handling a large volume of passengers and its accessibility to Edinburgh's central business district make it a convenient gateway to the city and the surrounding region.

Moreover, Edinburgh Airport's contribution to the economy extends beyond its direct impact. The airport facilitates business connections, trade, and investment opportunities for Scotland. It enables Scottish businesses to connect with global markets, attract tourists, and promote international trade. The airport's accessibility and efficient transport links, including the Edinburgh Trams light rail link, enhance Edinburgh's reputation as a business-friendly destination, fostering economic growth and development in the region.

Looking ahead, Edinburgh Airport's management has urged the Scottish Government to actively engage with the aviation industry to maintain and enhance Scotland's global influence and economic competitiveness. This includes addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and developing a clear roadmap for the industry's recovery and future growth. By ensuring the airport's long-term viability and competitiveness, Scotland can continue to benefit from the economic advantages that Edinburgh Airport brings.

The airport's location and transport links

Edinburgh Airport is located in the Ingliston area of Edinburgh, Scotland, approximately 8 miles (or 9.3 km) west of the city centre. The airport can be reached by car via the M8 and M9 motorways, and the M90 motorway via the Queensferry Crossing. It can also be accessed from the A8 road.

Despite only having one terminal, Edinburgh Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK, serving over 14 million passengers a year. It is Scotland's busiest airport and the sixth busiest in the UK overall. The airport is undergoing expansion and modernisation, with a new control tower inaugurated in 2005 and ongoing enlargement of the terminal building.

Edinburgh Airport does not have its own railway station, but it is served by the nearby Edinburgh Gateway station, which connects to the Edinburgh Trams light rail link. The tram runs every 10-15 minutes from 6 am to 11 pm, travelling through the western suburbs and city centre before terminating at Newhaven. The journey to the city centre takes around 40 minutes, with a single ticket costing $6.23 for adults and $3.11 for children.

Several bus services provide connections between the airport and the city, including the Airlink 100, Skylink 200 and 400, and Airport Express. Buses depart at least every 10 minutes during the day and every 15-20 minutes at night, with an average journey time of 30 minutes to Waverley Bridge near Princes Street and the main rail and bus stations. Night bus services to the airport are also available from various locations in the city.

History of the airport

Edinburgh Airport is located in the Ingliston area of Edinburgh, Scotland, 9.3 km (5.8 miles) west of the city centre. The airport is owned and operated by Edinburgh Airport Limited.

Edinburgh Airport started as an aerodrome during World War I, with just a grass runway and aeroplanes that arrived in packages to be assembled. The Turnhouse Aerodrome was converted into the RAF Turnhouse for the Royal Flying Corps in 1915. The small base opened in 1916 and housed the 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron from 1925, consisting of DH 9As, Westland Wapitis, Hawker Harts, and Hawker Hind light bombers. In 1918, the Royal Air Force was formed, and the airfield was named RAF Turnhouse, with ownership transferring to the Air Ministry.

During World War II, RAF Fighter Command took control of the airfield, and a 3,900-foot (1,189 m) runway was paved to accommodate the Supermarine Spitfire. After the war, the airfield remained under military control until it was officially opened for commercial traffic on May 19, 1947. The first commercial flight was a British European Airways service from London (Northolt) to Shetland, with Edinburgh and Aberdeen as intermediate stops. The aircraft was an 18-seat Douglas C47.

In 1952, the runway was extended to 6,000 feet to accommodate the Vampire FB5s operated by the resident 603 Squadron. An aircraft arresting barrier net was installed to protect traffic on the adjacent A9 road. This net was used multiple times to stop aircraft that had overrun the runway. In 1956, a new passenger terminal was built to improve commercial service, and it was extended in 1961. International service from Edinburgh began in 1962, with a direct service to Dublin. However, for many years, international flights were mostly charter and private.

In 1970, a Hawker Siddeley HS-125-3B operated by the Imperial Tobacco Company crashed on takeoff from Turnhouse during a simulated engine failure test. The copilot was declared dead on arrival at the hospital, while the pilot was uninjured. The probable cause was deemed to be the application of an incorrect rudder.

By the late 1970s, Edinburgh Airport began offering direct services to continental Europe, with Amsterdam being one of the first destinations in 1975. A new runway (06/24) was completed in 1977, along with a new terminal to cater to the increased traffic. The old terminal and hangars were converted into a cargo centre. By the mid-1980s, direct routes included major European cities such as Paris, Düsseldorf, Brussels, Frankfurt, and Copenhagen.

In 1987, BAA had privatised, and Edinburgh Airport was handling over 1.8 million passengers annually, a significant increase from 1971 when BAA first took control. RAF Turnhouse, which had been operational near the passenger terminal throughout the post-war period, was finally closed in 1997. The airport underwent major reconstructions, including extensions to the passenger terminal aprons and expansions of car parking facilities. A new air traffic control tower was completed in 2005.

In 2006, the South East Pier extension opened, adding six new gates to the southeast of the original terminal building. In 2011, BAA announced its intention to sell the airport, and in 2012, it was sold to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for £807.2 million. The Edinburgh Trams began operating in May 2014, providing the first rail connection to the airport.

Edinburgh Airport continues to expand and set records. In 2024, it became the first airport in Scotland to record over 15 million passengers in a calendar year, contributing significantly to the Scottish economy.

Passenger numbers

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland's busiest airport, with 34 to 35 airlines flying to 152 to 156 international destinations. It is also the sixth busiest airport in the United Kingdom. The airport consists of a single passenger terminal with a couple of floors.

In 2023, Edinburgh Airport saw 14.4 million passengers, a 28% increase from 2022, when it had 11.3 million passengers. The airport experienced its busiest year in 2024, with a total of 15 million passengers, marking the busiest year for any airport in Scotland.

In 2016, Ryanair announced a 20% growth in passenger numbers, bringing its annual passenger capacity at Edinburgh Airport to 2.5 million. This was coupled with the addition of six new services to Ryanair's winter schedule and more services to popular European destinations.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2019, Edinburgh Airport saw 14.7 million passengers. During the pandemic in 2021, passenger numbers dropped to 3.02 million. In 2022, Edinburgh Airport registered a total of 11,250,211 passengers, showing a strong recovery in passenger numbers.

Runway and terminal expansions

Edinburgh Airport has undergone several expansions and developments over the years, particularly in terms of its runways and terminals.

The airport's history can be traced back to 1916 when a small base was opened, which later became RAF Turnhouse during the Second World War. The first runway was paved during the war, measuring 3,900 ft (1,189 m) to accommodate the Supermarine Spitfire. After the war, the airfield remained under military control until it was officially opened for commercial traffic in May 1947, with the first commercial flight being a British European Airways service from London (Northolt) to Shetland, with Edinburgh and Aberdeen as intermediate stops.

In the 1960s, the airport's international services began, initially offering direct flights to Dublin. However, the main runway (13/31, later renamed 12/30) had a disadvantage due to its alignment, making it susceptible to severe crosswinds. The other two minor runways were too short and could not be easily extended. As a result, a new runway (07/25, later changed to 06/24) was constructed outside the original airfield boundary and completed in 1977. This new runway is 2,556 m (8,386 ft) long and can accommodate all modern airliners, including Concorde. A new terminal was also built alongside this runway to handle the increased traffic, while the old terminal and hangars were converted into a cargo centre.

Edinburgh Airport currently has two runways and a single passenger terminal. It is the busiest airport in Scotland, serving over 15 million passengers in 2024, a significant increase from the 11.3 million passengers recorded in 2022. The airport caters to 34-35 airlines, flying to more than 150 international destinations worldwide.

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