What Should You Know About Edinburgh Airport?

The story of Edinburgh Airport goes back to 1916, when Turnhouse Aerodrome opened as a military base during the First World War. In 1918, it became RAF Turnhouse after the Royal Air Force was formed.

The airport opened for commercial flights on 19 May 1947. Its first commercial service was operated by British European Airways and connected London Northolt with Shetland, with stops at Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

The airport grew much faster in the following decades. BAA took control in 1971, and a new terminal opened in 1977. Later, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) took over the airport in 2012 and supported further route and terminal development. 

In 2024, VINCI Airports acquired a 50.01% share of Edinburgh Airport, while GIP kept the remaining 49.99%. The deal was completed in June 2024.

Today, the airport continues to expand its network and facilities. Its growing number of routes gives travellers more choice when looking for a flight to Edinburgh Airport.

If you are planning a flight to Edinburgh Airport, you will find a wide choice of airlines serving the airport. The network includes both full-service and low-cost carriers, which gives you more options when comparing flight times and fares.

Some airlines operating regular services from Edinburgh Airport include:

• easyJet offers a large range of routes and has a strong presence at the airport. Its services cover several European cities and popular holiday destinations.
• Ryanair provides low-cost flights to various destinations across Europe. It gives budget-conscious travellers another option when looking for cheap flight tickets.
• Jet2.com operates flights to many holiday destinations and has expanded its Edinburgh network over the years.
• British Airways connects Edinburgh with important UK and international destinations. Its services can also suit travellers looking for onward connections.
• TUI Airways mainly serves popular holiday destinations, with several routes operating during specific travel seasons.
• Other airlines also operate from Edinburgh, giving passengers more choices for international travel.

The mix of airlines means you can compare different fares before completing your flight booking. Since routes can change by season, checking the latest schedule before travelling is always useful.

Edinburgh Airport has a broad international network. The airport served more than 152 international destinations with 35 airlines according to the reference data.

You can find flights to destinations across Europe and further afield. Popular routes include cities such as London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin, Madrid, Istanbul, New York, Dubai, and Doha, along with many holiday destinations.

The airport also has seasonal routes. Some services operate only during summer or winter depending on passenger demand. This gives travellers more choices during busy holiday periods without requiring every route to operate throughout the year.

With such a wide network, Edinburgh Airport works as an important gateway for people travelling to Scotland as well as passengers flying onwards to other countries. The next step is knowing what you can expect when you arrive at the airport and how you can get into Edinburgh city centre.

Getting through Edinburgh Airport becomes easier when you know what is available before you arrive. The airport has passenger services, shops, places to eat, and transport options that help you continue your journey after landing.

You can find useful facilities such as:

• Shops and restaurants give you places to buy travel essentials, grab a meal, or relax before your flight.
• Passenger services help with common travel needs inside the terminal.
• Tram services connect the airport directly with Edinburgh city centre. The tram line opened in May 2014 and created the first rail connection to the airport.
• Road connections make the airport easy to reach by car because it sits close to the M8 and M9 motorways.

The tram is especially useful if you are heading into central Edinburgh after your flight to Edinburgh Airport. You can also use buses, taxis, or private cars depending on where you are staying.

The airport plays a major role in Scotland's travel network. Its passenger numbers have grown steadily over the years, and it became the first airport in Scotland to record more than 15 million passengers in one calendar year in December 2024.

Its growing route network also supports tourism and business travel. More direct connections mean travellers can reach Edinburgh from different parts of the UK and the world without relying on another Scottish airport.

The airport also has an important place in the Scottish economy. A 2016 study estimated that Edinburgh Airport contributed almost £1 billion to Scotland's economy each year.

For travellers, all of this means greater choice when planning a flight booking. Once you know the airport and its connections, the next step is finding a fare that works for your journey.

A little planning can make your journey through Edinburgh Airport easier. Before leaving for the airport, check your flight time, airline, terminal information, baggage rules, and transport options. Since the airport is around 9 km from the city centre, you can choose between trams, buses, taxis, and cars depending on your plans.

If you are travelling during a busy holiday period, leave enough time for check-in and security. It also helps to keep your passport, boarding pass, and other travel documents ready before reaching the airport.

Once your plans are clear, the next step is finding a suitable fare for your journey.

Finding cheap flight tickets becomes easier when you can compare different airlines and fares before making your flight booking. Flightsmojo lets you explore available flight options in one place instead of checking several airline websites separately.

You can compare prices and schedules to find a flight to Edinburgh Airport that suits your travel plans. Flightsmojo also offers useful travel services that can make the booking process simpler:

• TripShield provides refund-related protection for eligible bookings when your plans change.
• Visa2Fly offers visa-related assistance for eligible international destinations.
• 24/7 customer support gives you access to booking help whenever you need it.
• Direct airline partnerships help provide competitive fares across different routes.

Comparing your options before paying can help you choose a fare that fits your budget and travel needs.

From its beginnings as Turnhouse Aerodrome in 1916, Edinburgh Airport has grown into Scotland's busiest airport. It now connects millions of passengers with destinations across the UK and the rest of the world.

Its growing passenger numbers and wide airline network show how important the airport has become for Scotland's tourism, business, and international travel. In 2024, it became the first Scottish airport to handle more than 15 million passengers in a calendar year.

Whether you are visiting Edinburgh, travelling for work, or catching a connecting flight, comparing flight booking options in advance can help you find a suitable journey. Flightsmojo gives you a simple way to compare fares before booking your next flight to Edinburgh Airport.