SEPTEMBER PASSENGER FIGURES SHOW SUBSTANTIAL INTERNATIONAL GROWTH

This represents an 11% increase on September 2015 with the greatest growth area being passengers on international flights which had a 21.5% hike compared to the same month last year.

Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Executive, cited the strength of Edinburgh as a destination and the commitment of the airport to improve Scotland’s connectivity by attracting new airlines and routes as key reasons for this success.

“These latest set of passenger figures are very welcome indeed and are testament to both the tremendous international draw of Edinburgh and Scotland as a destination and of the hard work we are doing here to attract new airlines and routes.

“We have strong indications that Edinburgh Airport – unlike the majority of the UK airport market – has a healthy balance of inbound and outbound passengers.

“This gives us confidence that we can continue to perform well and help deliver connectivity which creates jobs and delivers growth for Scotland – in spite of any wider economic uncertainty in the sector and economy at large.

“There is however absolutely no room for complacency within the aviation business – which is why we are calling on the Scottish Government to deliver to give detail on their proposed cut to Air Passenger Duty.

“A 50 % cut to APD in one move will incentivise airlines to bring more aircraft to Scotland which in turn will deliver greater inbound tourism and business opportunities creating new jobs and stimulating the economy to the tune of £300 million GVA per year.”