Six Nations to cause Edinburgh Airport disruption

Edinburgh Airport is set for a busy Sunday following the Six Nations game. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

Officials at Scotland’s busiest airport said the travelling hordes would include French fans returning home after a “huge influx” for the match at Murrayfield, with more than 19,000 arriving on Friday alone.

The total of 20,159 departing passengers on Sunday is nearly two-thirds higher than normal.

Officials urged passengers to check in online if possible and allow more time to travel to the airport.

They said approach roads would be congested because the Scottish Motorcycle Show is also taking place at the adjacent Royal Highland Centre at Ingliston on Saturday and Sunday.

Traffic congestion caused by major events at the centre, such as the Royal Highland Show, have led to hundreds of passengers missing their flights in the past, such as in 2012.

Edinburgh Airport chief operating officer David Wilson said: “This weekend looks set to be a record breaker for us.

“A huge increase in passenger numbers like this, in such a short space of time, presents a number of challenges, so we’re calling on passengers to be prepared, especially before going through security.

“Due to the airport being extremely busy, passengers may experience some disruption.”