Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has opened a terminal at Edinburgh Airport aimed at supporting continued growth.
The expansion was made possible by a £75m ($95.43m) investment and is expected to improve connectivity options at the airport, as well as accommodate passenger growth of up to 20 million.
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It is part of a wider £200m ($254.48m) investment programme at Edinburgh Airport, which handled more than 14.3 million passengers last year.
The terminal features new aircraft stands, gates, arrival halls for domestic and international passengers, baggage reclaim areas and a larger immigration hall. It will also comprise new retail, food and beverage outlets.
Sturgeon said: “I am delighted to open this terminal expansion, further establishing Edinburgh Airport as a gateway to Scotland from the rest of the UK and internationally.
“Edinburgh Airport not only supports our business and tourism sectors but employs 700 people directly and 7,000 through partner businesses. I was particularly pleased to meet engineering apprentices who are learning their trade in a fast-paced environment such as aviation.
“This £75m investment will future-proof the airport for continued growth. As an outward-looking nation, it is now more important than ever that we enhance connectivity with our European partners and with the rest of the world.”
Over the next five years, investments will be made on key terminal and airfield facilities at Edinburgh Airport.
Around £300m ($381.65) will be spent on a new baggage system, stands and access road, as well as to improve check-in facilities.
Edinburgh Airport chief executive Gordon Dewar said: “This is, of course, an investment in Edinburgh Airport but it’s also an investment in Scotland’s economy and future as we are a facilitator of many things, from business and tourism to culture and education.”
