UK. Edinburgh Airport is to create new retail and food & beverage outlets as part of an £80 million (US$103.1 million) investment plan.
Construction work has begun on a three-storey extension to the South East Pier of the airport’s terminal building, where the stores and restaurants will be housed. The expansion is due to be completed by summer 2018.
VIP lounges and retail storage facilities will also be added, along with six new gates and extended immigration, customs and reclaim facilities.
The airport said the investment plan would enable it to handle forecasted passenger growth of up to 16.5 million passengers in 2021 and beyond.
The expansion is part of the airport’s overall £220 million (US$283.5 million) capital investment programme to support growth and maintain operational standards over the next five years.
“This is a major investment for the capital and Scotland and further establishes Edinburgh Airport as one of the most innovative and forward thinking airports in the UK,” said the airport’s Chief Operating Officer Adrian Witherow.
“We are Scotland’s busiest airport and the fastest growing airport in the UK – and that demand is only going to grow with record numbers of passengers we expect to see passing through the terminal.
“There have been times this summer where we’ve experienced busy periods that have impacted on our service and this investment in new facilities will ensure we have the infrastructure needed to handle more passengers and provide them with a positive experience whether arriving or departing.
“As Scotland’s gateway to the world, it’s vital that we have first class infrastructure and we will continue to invest in that, creating more jobs, supporting the economy and opening up Scotland to the world.”
