Airport To Welcome 130,000 People
18 December 2014, 13:56 | Updated: 18 December 2014, 14:27
More than 130,000 people are expected to travel through Scotland's busiest airport over the Christmas period.
Edinburgh Airport predicts that 130,409 passengers will arrive and depart between December 22 and 28.
Many people will be jetting off to the sun, with Tenerife, Alicante, Barcelona, Lanzarote and Malaga the most popular destinations, while London and Bristol are two of the main domestic destinations travellers will visit.
The airport expects that 57,492 people will arrive into Edinburgh over the Christmas period, while 72,917 will depart.
Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: "The festive season is always an exciting time for us with hundreds of thousands of people expected to travel through the airport over the coming weeks.
"Many of our passengers will be flying off to escape the Scottish weather and spend the festive season in sunnier climes, but the majority will be staying in the UK and travelling to visit friends and family.
"We've had a very successful year at Edinburgh Airport with more passengers travelling through our terminal than ever before, we're confident we'll exceed the 10 million mark during the festive season.
"We want to thank all our passengers who have travelled with us in 2014 and wish everyone a very happy Christmas and new year.''
The airport urged people to think carefully when packing gifts in their hand luggage and ensure all liquids are under 100ml.
Meanwhile, AGS Airports Limited has today officially become owner of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports following a £1.05 billion deal with Heathrow Airport Holdings which was announced in October.
Glasgow Airport managing director Amanda McMillan will become chief executive of the new AGS Airports Limited.
She said: "This is a great opportunity at a very exciting time in the development of our airports.
"In addition to continuing as managing director of Glasgow Airport, my role will be to support the new owners and local management, while allowing the airports to operate individually.''
Carol Benzie and David Lees remain MDs of Aberdeen and Southampton respectively.
Glasgow Airport said it expects more than 220,000 people to pass through its doors between December 20 and January 2.
Many will be heading abroad, with Dubai, New York and the Canary Islands some of the most popular destinations.
Airport bosses advise travellers to put wrapped Christmas presents in their hold luggage as wrapped gifts may be opened during the security screening process.
Ronald Leitch, head of terminal and security operations, said: "The festive period is always a special time at the airport. Many of our passengers are returning home to spend the holidays with friends and family, so there can be a lot of emotion as loved ones are reunited.
"To ensure our customers' journey through the airport is enjoyable, we would encourage anyone travelling with Christmas presents to take a few moments before they leave home to double check any liquids they may have are properly packed and within the 100ml limits.
"If anyone is planning to take any presents on their flight, we'd recommend they pack them in their hold luggage as this will help reduce waiting times at security.
"Whatever our customers' travel plans are, sunny or festive, we hope they enjoy their break and would like to wish them all a very merry Christmas.''