City airport sets a new passenger numbers record

Published on Saturday 4 July 2009 11:20

EDINBURGH Airport has enjoyed the busiest day in its 30-year history, bucking a trend that has seen passenger numbers at most UK airports decline.

As the airport prepares for a massive influx of holidaymakers this weekend, new figures show that Scotland's biggest airport enjoyed its busiest day ever last Friday with 35,899 passengers.

The previous record of 35,782 passengers was set on 29 June 2007.

Managing Director Gordon Dewar said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Edinburgh Airport, particularly given the current economic climate. It shows that there is still a strong demand for air travel to and from the Capital.

"We're particularly pleased that despite enjoying our busiest day ever, our customer service and security teams delivered a high quality service for our passengers."

A 40 million terminal extension is underway at the airport, with the first phase due to open to passengers in November.

Ron Hewitt, chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, added: "This is a fantastic endorsement of what we have always said – that Edinburgh has strength in depth."

Our sunrise sectors are growing fast and will continue to make Edinburgh the place to invest."

The airport said it expected 125,600 passengers this weekend.