Construction work has started on an £80 million expansion project at Edinburgh Airport.

A new three-storey extension is being built onto the airport's terminal building. The scheme will stretch from the existing gate 12 area, covering the old east end service yard out to the Gogar Burn.

The project, which is part of the airport's £220m capital investment programme, is being carried out to support forecasted growth of up to 16.5 million passengers in 2021 and beyond.

As well as expanding the terminal building, further work includes extending the South East Pier to create new boarding gates and seating areas between gates 13 and 14.

Other highlights include;

• Extended immigration, customs and international reclaim facilities

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• A new home for the airport's domestic reclaim hall, enabling the expansion of the baggage hall into the current domestic reclaim area

• New retail opportunities, food and beverage options, toilets, lettable property and office space, VIP lounges, and retail storage

• Six new gates, gate seating areas and connectivity via a series of fixed links, stair nodes and air bridges to the new stands

Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport Gordon Dewar said: "This is a major investment for the capital and Scotland and further establishes Edinburgh Airport as one of the most innovative and forward thinking airports in the UK.

"We are Scotland's busiest airport and the fastest growing airport in the UK – and that demand is only going to grow with the record numbers of passengers we expect to see passing through the terminal.

"There have been times this summer where we've experienced busy periods that have impacted on our service and this investment in new facilities will ensure we have the infrastructure needed to handle more passengers and provide them with a positive experience whether arriving or departing.

"As Scotland's gateway to the world, it's vital that we have first class infrastructure and we will continue to invest in that, creating more jobs, supporting the economy and opening up Scotland to the world."

The expansion project is due to be completed by summer 2018.

(LM)