Edinburgh airport has started work on a new £80 million extension to its terminal.
The extension is part of a £220 million programme of improvements at the airport so that it can cater an expected increase in passenger numbers.
The current terminal expansion, which is due to be completed by summer 2018, will include extending the South East Pier to create six new boarding gates and seating areas.
Gordon Dewar, the airport’s CEO, said: “This is a major investment for the capital and Scotland and further establishes Edinburgh airport as one of the most innovative and forward thinking airports in the UK.
“We are Scotland’s busiest airport and the fastest growing airport in the UK – and that demand is only going to grow with the record numbers of passengers we expect to see passing through the terminal.
“There have been times this summer where we’ve experienced busy periods that have impacted on our service and this investment in new facilities will ensure we have the infrastructure needed to handle more passengers and provide them with a positive experience whether arriving or departing.”
The extension will also increase immigration, customs and baggage claim areas of the airport, as well as creating new shops, food and drink outlets and lounges.
The airport enjoyed its busiest ever month in July with a record 1.4 million passengers – an increase of 6.1 per cent on the same month last year. Edinburgh set a new record for all Scottish airports in 2016 when traffic reached 12.4 million passengers.