Edinburgh Airport is an international airport on the western side of Edinburgh. It developed from the military aerodrome at Turnhouse into Scotland's busiest commercial airport. The airport combines passenger services with surface connections to Edinburgh and the wider Scottish railway network.[1]Edinburgh Airport historyEdinburgh Airport · corporate.edinburghairport.comOpen source details[2]By trainEdinburgh Airport · edinburghairport.comOpen source details
History
Turnhouse Aerodrome opened as a military base in 1916. It became RAF Turnhouse in 1918, following the formation of the Royal Air Force. The first paved runway dates from the beginning of the Second World War, while commercial services began in 1947.[1]Edinburgh Airport historyEdinburgh Airport · corporate.edinburghairport.comOpen source details
The British Airports Authority took control in the 1970s. A new terminal opened in 1977, marking the shift from the older Turnhouse facilities to the passenger complex that formed the basis of the modern airport. Global Infrastructure Partners acquired Edinburgh from BAA in 2012. The airport subsequently added routes and expanded its terminal. In 2024 VINCI Airports acquired a 50.01 per cent interest through a partnership with GIP.[1]Edinburgh Airport historyEdinburgh Airport · corporate.edinburghairport.comOpen source details
Terminal and transport connections
The tram terminus is immediately outside the main passenger terminal, beside the airport plaza. The line runs through western Edinburgh and the city centre to Newhaven. Intermediate stops include Ingliston Park and Ride, Edinburgh Gateway, Edinburgh Park Station, Murrayfield and Haymarket. The continuation through Leith gives the airport a direct public-transport connection to the northern waterfront.[3]By tramEdinburgh Airport · edinburghairport.comOpen source details
Edinburgh Airport does not have a main-line railway platform within the terminal. Instead, the tram connects passengers to several railway stations. Edinburgh Gateway provides connections towards Fife and northern Scotland; Edinburgh Park provides access to services across central Scotland. Haymarket offers a wider interchange with local and long-distance trains.[2]By trainEdinburgh Airport · edinburghairport.comOpen source details
Runway and operations
Edinburgh has one runway, designated 06/24. The two numbers refer to opposite directions along the same pavement. When runway 06 is in use, aircraft arrive from the west and depart towards the east. Runway 24 reverses that pattern. In its published explanation, the airport links the frequent use of runway 24 to the prevailing south-westerly wind.[4]Runway directionsEdinburgh Airport · edinburghairport.comOpen source details