Wednesday September 23rd 2026
Edinburgh Airport, where a £500 million investment programme is underway.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
The Scottish Greens have branded Edinburgh Airport’s expansion plan as ‘an act of climate vandalism’ following an announcement this week that will see more than £500 million invested into the airport to deliver significant improvements across terminal expansion, airport infrastructure, passenger facilities and operational operations.
Following the unveiling of phase one of the largest capital investment programme in the airports history, the Scottish Greens have described the expansion as ‘wilful ignorance’ of the climate emergency.
Yesterday, First Minister John Swinney visited Edinburgh Airport’s South East Pier expansion site with Edinburgh Airport Chief Executive Gordon Dewar which is the first phase development and part of the airport’s £500 million investment programme. The first phase is due to fully open in summer 2027.
As the largest terminal in Scotland, Edinburgh already serves more than 150 worldwide destinations, with an average of 310 flights arriving and departing from the airport daily.
Scottish Greens MSP for Edinburgh and Lothians East, Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill says that the plans to expand on this are an act of climate vandalism, and wilful ignorance amidst the ongoing climate emergency facing Scotland.
Kayleigh said:
“After a summer filled with wildfires in our very own city, and heatwaves that have led to loss of life, the last thing that should be happening is an expansion of an already big and busy airport by national standards.
“These plans are an act of climate vandalism, and there is a wilful ignorance towards the pressure that even more daily flights would put on our climate efforts.
“The average family going abroad on holiday once a year is not to blame here. It is the operators and owners who willingly put profits before the planet that must be held responsible for their contributions towards our climate breakdown.
“Millions of people pass through Edinburgh airport every year, bringing eyewatering sums for the owners in the hundreds of millions region, to go alongside every other airport they operate. Trying to expand on that even further to compete with the likes of London airports when the world is on fire is completely out of touch.”
Terminal transformation is at the heart of this first phase, with the wider programme ensuring Edinburgh Airport meets future demand sustainably and efficiently by enhancing capacity and the overall passenger experience.
The investment will support new long-haul and short-haul routes, growing connectivity between Scotland and key markets across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.
The landmark programme highlights VINCI Airports’ and GIP’s commitment to Scotland’s busiest airport and the next phase of its strategic ambition to strengthen Edinburgh’s role as a global connectivity hub.
Beyond the terminal, the first phase of investment will include improvements across the wider airport campus, including climate friendly additional electric vehicle infrastructure.
In strong support, First Minister John Swinney said:
“This significant investment will enable Edinburgh Airport to compete with airports around the world. Alongside delivering real benefits to passengers, this boost will support Scotland’s international connections and help drive economic growth.
“Scotland is open for business and we want to maintain and strengthen Scotland’s position as the most attractive place in the UK for inward investment outside of London and the South East. Opportunities like this airport expansion will help make that happen.”
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