Travel agents ‘heartened’ by Edinburgh Airport’s commitment to improving arrivals experience
“Congestion, queues and the challenges of navigating an increasingly busy terminal are legitimate concerns”
Edinburgh Airport’s remarkable growth is a Scottish success story, and one which deserves recognition for the contribution it makes to our economy, tourism industry and international connectivity.
As Scotland’s busiest airport, Edinburgh has established itself as a major international gateway, welcoming a record 16.98 million passengers in 2025 - an increase of more than one million on the previous year.
To September 2026, that figure had climbed beyond 17.5 million.
Impressive achievements, reflecting the airport’s success in attracting airlines, responding to demand for travel both into and out of Scotland and particularly in developing new routes.
For our members who are at the forefront of selling travel, that connectivity is enormously important.
Direct international routes provide travellers with greater choice, convenience and competition.
They reduce the need to travel through London or other European hubs, making overseas holidays and business travel more accessible.
The expansion of transatlantic services, alongside established connections to European destinations, the Middle East and Asia, is particularly welcome.
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Every additional route strengthens Scotland’s position as an outward-looking nation with global ambitions.
But Edinburgh Airport’s importance extends far beyond outbound travel. For international visitors, it is often their first experience of Scotland.
The airport provides a vital entry point for tourists whose spending supports hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport operators and businesses across the country.
That economic benefit reaches well beyond Edinburgh itself, supporting tourism throughout Scotland.
Strong international air links are also essential to attracting conferences, major events, inward investment and business opportunities.
Against this background, the airport’s £500 million investment programme represents a significant vote of confidence in Scotland’s future.
The ambitious five-year development will expand the terminal footprint by 60 per cent, delivering additional aircraft stands, gates, improved baggage handling, expanded arrivals facilities and more space for departing passengers.
These improvements are both welcome and necessary. Edinburgh’s rapid growth has placed pressure on existing facilities; passengers not always enjoyed an experience befitting Scotland’s principal international gateway.
Congestion, queues and the challenges of navigating an increasingly busy terminal are legitimate concerns.
The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) therefore welcomes the investment while recognising that its success must ultimately be measured by the experience of travellers, rather than passenger numbers alone.
We are heartened by new chief executive Mark Johnston’s commitment to improving the arrivals hall and working with ground handling companies to up their performance.
Delivering major construction works while maintaining efficient airport operations will be challenging.
Clear communication, reliable services, accessible facilities and minimising disruption must remain priorities throughout.
There is also a wider responsibility to ensure that growth is environmentally sustainable and that transport connections to the airport keep pace with demand.
Scotland needs strong, competitive airports, and Edinburgh’s success should complement the important roles played by Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and our regional airports.
The SPAA firmly believes that aviation connectivity is fundamental to Scotland’s economic prosperity.
Edinburgh Airport has demonstrated what can be achieved through ambition, investment and successful airline partnerships.
The next chapter offers enormous potential. With the right investment in infrastructure and passenger experience, Edinburgh can strengthen its position as a world-class gateway, bringing visitors to Scotland and opening up the world to Scottish travellers.
Mike Tibbert is political advisor on the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association’s council
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