Edinburgh airport appoints new chief executive as £500m expansion begins

Edinburgh airport has appointed Mark Johnston as its next chief executive. He starts on 1 October and joins from London Gatwick airport, where he is chief operating officer. Johnston has also been managing director of Glasgow airport, and the move returns him to the city where he was born and raised.

He succeeds Gordon Dewar, who said in February 2026 that he would leave the role. Passenger numbers rose 85% during Dewar's 14 years in charge, from 9 million in 2012 to close to 17 million in 2025.

The change of leadership comes as Edinburgh begins the largest capital investment programme in its history: more than £500 million ($662 million) committed over five years, the first phase of a longer multi-year plan.

The work includes new gates intended to support route growth, extra aircraft stands, a larger check-in hall and departure lounge, and upgraded international arrivals and baggage handling facilities. The terminal footprint will grow by 60%, with more retail and dining space. The airport says the aim is better connectivity with markets in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia. The programme is due to open fully in summer 2027.

The first phase focuses on terminal transformation, along with wider campus work such as more electric-vehicle infrastructure and a new access road. Edinburgh airport says the spending ties in with its Greater Good sustainability strategy, launched in 2021 to cut carbon emissions and support economic growth.

The airport describes itself as Scotland's busiest and best connected.