Aberdeen International Airport is the transport hub of north east Scotland and a vital economic driver for the region, contributing £110 million (€142m) a year to the local economy. It is also growing strongly – over 3.5 million passengers travelled through the airport in 2015, making it the second busiest year on record.
Nicola Sturgeon MSP, First Minister of Scotland; Carol Benzie, Managing Director, Aberdeen International Airport; and Amanda McMillan, CEO of airport owner AGS Airports Ltd, at the recent unveiling of plans for the £20 million (€26m) expansion of the airport.
Significantly, Wizz Air launched the first direct connection between Aberdeen and Poland in June 2015 with a service to Gdansk. It will launch direct flights to Warsaw in May 2016. Meanwhile, Icelandair will introduce a new, year-round service to Reykjavik in March 2016.
It is against this backdrop of growth that a major £20 million (€26m) expansion plan has been revealed, increasing the size of the terminal building by 50% and comprehensively transforming passenger facilities. “Not only does this investment represent the most significant upgrade to the airport since the current terminal first opened in 1977, it demonstrates our commitment to providing passengers with high quality facilities,” explains Carol Benzie, Managing Director, Aberdeen International Airport. “We have long recognised the need to expand the terminal and we are doing so with the long-term future of the airport in mind. It is one of the most important pieces of transport infrastructure in the North East of Scotland and it plays a crucial role in supporting the wider economy. Now more than ever, it is vital that we invest in our airport to help improve the region’s attractiveness as a key investment destination and that we provide passengers, airlines and the city with an airport they can all be proud of.”
The investment includes the creation of two new passenger lounges, a bigger baggage reclaim area, a new and significantly expanded security search area, new and expanded immigration facilities, and new retail and F&B facilities within the main departure lounge.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP comments: “By increasing capacity and improving the passenger experience, the airport is making a clear statement of intent and the north east and Scotland will see the benefit.”
The first phase of the three-year project will get underway in May 2016. This will involve the construction of a two-storey extension to the south of the existing terminal building. At ground level, the extension will accommodate all facilities for international arriving passengers, as well as domestic baggage reclaim. Two business lounges will be located on the upper level.
The plans were recently unveiled by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP on a visit to the airport. “This investment by Aberdeen International Airport and its owners shows great ambition and confidence in the airport’s future in preparing for projected growth,” she says. “By increasing capacity and improving the passenger experience, the airport is making a clear statement of intent and the north east and Scotland will see the benefit. Aberdeen is a fantastic city with lots to offer and the airport is a crucial gateway to the north east. This expansion opens up the city to even more tourists and businesses, which will result in an economic boost for the city and the country as a whole.”
The airport’s ambitious plans are contributing to the wider long-term investment and planning in the region designed to ensure a sustainable future.
The first phase of the three-year project will get underway in May 2016. This will involve the construction of a two-storey extension to the south of the existing terminal building.
