Edinburgh airport is to spend over £20 million on improving transport access, including a new East Terminus which is scheduled to open next summer.
The first phase of the facility will see the licensed taxi rank (currently situated on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park) relocated to the new terminus on the east side of the airport, next to the tram stop.
Taxis will be able to access the new terminus using the road over the old runway, which the airport says will reduce congestion on Eastfield Road at peak times.
The East Terminus will also offer covered walkways and a new passenger bridge, as well as a waiting area for passengers with restricted mobility, and a self-service kiosk for booking private taxis.
A second phase of the project will then create a new access road “to further ease congestion on Eastfield Road”, which will also see the airport’s main drop-off facility relocated.
Earlier this year Edinburgh airport announced plans for a new “drop and go” parking service which it says will add 5,000 spaces at the airport by 2021.
Commenting on the investment Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport said:
“As an airport, we provide quick and easy travel to destinations all over the world – that trip starts and ends here, so making it easier for people to get to and from the airport is important to us.
“As well as making it easier for licensed taxis to drop off and pick up passengers, this multi-million pound project will also see the construction of a new access road, helping to ease the congestion we currently see on Eastfield Road at peak times.
“By investing in our infrastructure, we’ll be able to deliver better access for public transport and increase those travel options for passengers, directly improving their journey.”
