Doors open on airport's departure lounge

Published on Thursday 19 November 2009 00:03

AIR passengers will be stepping into the future today when Edinburgh Airport opens its new multi-million-pound departure lounge.

The facility is part of the biggest single project in the airport's 32-year history. Developers hope that the 40 million facelift will allow the airport to cope with the 13 million passengers expected to pass through the airport every year by 2013.

A total of 450 additional seats have been provided and the popular view of the runway and airfield – lost during the construction works – has now returned.

The expanded departure lounge area includes two new restaurants, takeaway and delicatessen, all operated by new airport arrival Delaware North.

Commenting on the opening, airport managing director Gordon Dewar said: "This is a historic moment. With more and more people passing through our airport, it is right to invest now in expanding the terminal building."

Tom Buchanan, convenor of economic development at Edinburgh City Council, said: "Edinburgh Airport is a key economic asset for the city. Whether it is for tourism, financial services or the growing life-sciences sector, the airport is critical in connecting Scotland's capital with the world, supporting jobs and driving economic growth.

"Edinburgh Airport is now the fastest growing major airport in the UK, with international passenger numbers trebling during the last ten years."

Despite the economic downturn, the airport has continued to attract new airlines and next year will see the launch of the first direct scheduled service between Edinburgh and Florida.