Bosses at Aberdeen International Airport today announced the completion of the first stage of work to significantly transform the airport’s terminal.
Construction of the new two-storey extension’s steel structure, which began in July, is now complete, and work towards making the building watertight by the end of the year has commenced.
Carol Benzie, managing director of Aberdeen International Airport, said: “I’m pleased to see that our three-year terminal transformation project has reached its first milestone. We’ve been working hard since July to build the steel structure and it’s been fantastic to watch the project move away from the planning stage and come to life.
“Our £20million terminal expansion is a welcome investment for the local region during a particularly challenging time. By delivering a 50% increase in the size of the existing terminal and comprehensively transforming passenger facilities, we are looking ahead to a positive future.”
Phase one of the project, which was launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this year, will see new immigration and baggage reclaim facilities installed in the lower level of the extension, and two new business lounges added to the upper level. Phase one is due to open in summer 2017.
By 2019, the airport’s security search area will be considerably enhanced and its departure lounge will be revamped with a new retail and catering layout.
The terminal transformation will coincide with the return to Aberdeen of low-cost airline Ryanair, who recently announced flights to popular holiday destinations Alicante, Malaga and Faro from the city. The new routes are expected to deliver 75,000 customers per year to Aberdeen International Airport.