Airport chiefs called on to ditch second runway plans

The airport has scaled back its forecasts of passenger growth over the next three decades but still says it might need a second landing strip.

A new masterplan setting out the airport's future until 2040 acknowledges previous predictions of a massive increase in people flying to and from the Capital did not materialise.

Despite the economic downturn, Edinburgh did buck the trend by recording "consistent if modest" growth over the past few years and is now Scotland's busiest airport and the fifth-largest in the UK.

But where the 2006 masterplan forecast 14 million passengers by 2013 and 26 million by 2030, the new blueprint predicts 12.3 million by 2020 and 20 million by 2040.

However, the document said the airport could still need 280 hectares for an extra runway.

Edinburgh West Liberal Democrat MSP Margaret Smith said: "The projections for passenger numbers were ludicrous - it would have meant everyone in Scotland constantly going off on trips.

"Given everything that has happened since then - the economic situation, fuel costs and the security and terrorism threat - they have revised their projection downwards.

"I'm disappointed they still feel they have to say there might be a second runway"

Environmental group WWF Scotland welcomed the fact plans for a second runway had been delayed but head of policy Dr Dan Barlow said: "Passenger growth plans at both Edinburgh and Glasgow remain at odds with meeting our climate targets."

A spokesman for the airport defended the inclusion of the second runway in the plan. He said the latest projections would mean around 53 take-offs and landings per hour by 2040.

"If we get to 55, we need a second runway. We cannot wait until 2040 to make that decision," he said.

WHAT'S AHEAD 2011-2020

Passenger numbers will grow from nine million per annum now to 12.3 million.

Take-offs and landings will increase from 116,200 per annum today to 141,300 per annum.

Check-in facilities and baggage reclaim will need to be enhanced.

Two aircraft maintenance hangars are likely to be needed.

Current car parking capacity of 6074 spaces could rise to 7100 spaces.

The airport's internal road system will undergo a major reconfiguration.

2020-2040

Passenger numbers could grow to 20.5 million a year.

Aircraft movements could increase to 200,600 per annum.

&149 Extra land could be needed, including ten hectares north-east of the airfield for cargo facilities; 85 hectares, currently occupied by the Royal Highland Showground for additional terminal and/or aircraft apron capacity; and 280 hectares north of the existing airport boundary for the second runway.