Edinburgh Airport contributed £2.7 billion to Scotland’s economy in 2025, supporting thousands of jobs through tourism, trade, connectivity and wider business activity.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) contributed £2.7 billion to Scotland’s economy in 2025 and supported almost 44,000 jobs, according to a new independent economic impact report.
The study, conducted by BiGGAR Economics, highlights significant growth in the airport’s economic contribution since 2019, driven by rising passenger numbers, expanded international connectivity and continued investment.
Edinburgh Airport economic impact driven by tourism and trade growth
The report found that Edinburgh Airport supported £3.9 billion of economic activity and almost 72,000 jobs across the UK, reinforcing its role as Scotland’s busiest airport and a major international gateway.
Tourism remained the airport’s largest economic contributor, generating £1.8 billion in visitor spending across Scotland. The airport also played a key role in supporting international trade, handling more than £500 million worth of air freight.
Sectors benefiting from airport connectivity included life sciences, manufacturing and engineering, with the airport supporting both exporters and importers through global air links.
The airport, part of the VINCI Airports network, stated that the findings demonstrate growing confidence among airlines, businesses and passengers in Edinburgh as a global gateway.
Chief Executive Gordon Dewar said: “This report demonstrates the scale of our contribution and the confidence airlines, businesses and passengers place in Edinburgh as a global gateway, and in Scotland as a place to do business.”
He also stressed the importance of long-term policy stability and economic growth measures to support continued investment and competitiveness.
According to the report, Edinburgh Airport’s economic impact has increased significantly compared with pre-pandemic levels. On a like-for-like basis, gross value added increased by 31%, while employment impact rose by 37% since 2019.
The airport recorded nearly 17 million passengers in 2025, representing the highest annual passenger total ever achieved by a Scottish airport.
The findings underline the growing role airports play in supporting regional economies, tourism and international business connectivity, particularly as demand for air travel and global trade continues to recover and expand.
The BiGGAR Economics report is available here.
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