Edinburgh Airport has launched a six-week consultation to allow the public a chance to give feedback on its upcoming expansion plans, which will last until 2040. Dubbed ‘the Masterplan’, a draft document sets out a framework for the sustainable development and ongoing growth of the airport to match rising flight traffic.
More information on providing feedback can be found at the dedicated website, here.
Included in the plans are an enlarged terminal building, creating more space for passengers and facilities, with a particular focus on additional international services. There will be extra space for parking aircraft, an enlarged cargo storage area, and improved access to the airport via a new road linking it to the Gogar Roundabout.
To achieve its plans, Edinburgh Airport has said it will need to close the existing second runway, as the configuration and size are not suitable for frequent use. Land will be reserved for a new second runway, but this will not be needed until 2050.
Gordon Dewar, chief executive, Edinburgh Airport, said, “At Edinburgh Airport, our passenger numbers have grown more in the past three years than they did in the 10 years previous. We’ve grown by 1m passengers each year since 2012, and we’ve grown our network, serving more destinations and working with more airlines than ever, generating almost £1bn (US$1.25bn) per year for the Scottish economy and supporting over 23,000 jobs.
“That’s why this Masterplan document is so important. It sets out how we think we’ll grow in the decades to come and we’re asking some questions around that. Your views are important in making sure that our thinking is correct and that it fits with wider plans.”