Edinburgh Airport (EDI) has revealed a five-year, £500 million ($670 million) capital development plan as a new CEO prepares to assume the airport’s top leadership spot.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) COO Mark Johnston will move to EDI, where he will take the role of CEO. He will succeed Gordon Dewar, who is stepping down from the CEO post after 14 years. The transition will take place on Oct. 1, 2026.
EDI said it plans to expand its terminal footprint by 60% under the modernization program. New gates and aircraft stands will be added, and retail areas, including food and beverage services, will be revamped. A new international arrivals area will be built, including upgrading baggage claim equipment. Also added will be more electric vehicle infrastructure and a new access road.
“This is the biggest investment in Edinburgh Airport’s history,” Dewar said.
Johnston has been COO at LGW for the past two and a half years. Previously, he was managing director of Glasgow Airport (GLA).
EDI noted that under Dewar’s tenure, the airport nearly doubled annual passenger numbers from 9 million in 2012 to almost 17 million in 2025. Johnston said Dewar “leaves behind an exceptionally strong business and an airport that has gone from strength to strength under his leadership.”
Vinci Airports owns a majority stake in both EDI and LGW and manages both airports.
Vinci said EDI's expansion plan “underscores our confidence in the airport’s growth prospects and our long-term commitment to supporting its development. It will enable us to increase its capacity while delivering an ever-higher-quality experience for passengers, thereby consolidating Edinburgh’s role as Scotland’s leading international gateway.”
According to CAPA – Centre for Aviation, EDI is served by 41 airlines and is the 141st-busiest passenger airport in the world.
Incoming CEO Johnston was born and raised in Edinburgh.
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