Aberdeen Airport has unveiled plans to extend the runway to allow for more routes, as well as a modernised entrance area and additional parking.
Managing director Kevin Brown says that Aberdeen is airport operator BAA’s fastest-growing UK airport, with 3.4 million travellers expected this year.
“Ensuring we have the right facilities and capabilities to meet the demand of our expanding operation is vital,” he said.
In a few weeks’ time the new Gate 9 lounge to the north of the terminal building will open, offering 100 seats for passengers waiting to depart.
Following that, the airport entrance will undergo an upgrade, with the check-in area extended and a new glass frontage with an arching roof put in place. A further car park tier will add space for 300 vehicles.
Next year work will begin to extend the runway, with much of the building work going on at night to avoid flight disruption. The longer runway will allow for flights to North Africa and, eventually, America.
Figures from BAA indicate that more than 325,000 travellers passed through Aberdeen Airport in July – 10.6 per cent more than the previous year..
Airlines flying from the Scottish hub include bmibaby, Eastern Airways, Flyglobespan and easyJet.
