Edinburgh Airport delivers £2.7bn boost to Scotland’s economy

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The study, carried out by BiGGAR Economics, shows the airport’s contribution has grown significantly since 2019, driven by rising passenger numbers, expanding international connectivity and increased investment from the airport’s owners.

The analysis found that activity at Scotland’s busiest airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, supports businesses on‑site, off‑site and across the wider supply chain, contributing to various sectors and industries:

• Tourism remains the airport’s single largest contribution, generating £1.8 billion in visitor spending across Scotland.
• The airport also plays a key role in international trade, handling over £500 million worth of air freight, supporting exporters and importers in sectors including life sciences, manufacturing and engineering.
• Overall, Edinburgh Airport supported £3.9 billion of economic activity and almost 72,000 jobs across the UK, underlining its importance as Scotland’s busiest airport and a national economic gateway. 

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “Edinburgh Airport plays a vital role in supporting Scotland’s economy, from tourism and trade to jobs and investment.

“This report demonstrates the scale of our contribution and the confidence airlines, businesses and passengers place in Edinburgh as a global gateway, and in Scotland as a place to do business. That confidence cannot be taken for granted. Any incoming government must make economic growth a clear priority and provide the long‑term policy certainty and stable operating environment that businesses need to commit investment and plan for the future.

“We are proud of the contribution we make and will continue to grow connectivity responsibly, but sustained growth depends on clear, consistent decisions that support Scotland’s competitiveness.”

Sara Thiam, chief executive of Prosper, said: “These figures just go to show what an incredible contribution Edinburgh Airport makes to the national and regional economy. We are proud to have them as a member.”

In early 2020, Edinburgh Airport worked with BiGGAR Economics to understand the positive impact of the airport on Scotland’s economy. Their report found that in 2019, Edinburgh Airport generated £1.4 billion Gross Value Added (GVA) and 28,000 jobs in the Scottish economy.

On a like-for-like basis, GVA impact has increased by 31% and employment impact has increased by 37%.

To note: the 16.6 million passenger number figure in the report for 2025 was the best estimate at the time. The final figure for Edinburgh Airport in 2025 was 16,980,588 – a record for any Scottish airport.

The BiGGAR Economics report is available here.