The ‘Masterplan 2016-2040’ which sets out a framework for the sustainable development of the airport has been launched to kick start a six-week public consultation to help form final designs for the plans.

Proposals include enlarging the terminal building to create space for more passengers and facilities, creating a larger area for parking aircraft, expanding the cargo storage area and building a new link road to Gogar Roundabout.

The airport also plans to close its existing second runway, which it says “the configuration and size of which are not suitable for frequent use”, along with the “continued safeguarding of land for a new second runway”, although it says that plans indicate “we will not need this for regular use until around 2050”.

Edinburgh Airport’s chief executive, Gordon Dewar, said: “At Edinburgh Airport our passenger numbers have grown more in the past three years than they did in the 10 years previous.

“We’ve grown by one million passengers each year since 2012. We’ve grown our route network, serving more destinations and working with more airlines than ever.

“We believe that this growth is good for Scotland. An independent study that was carried out earlier this year gives evidence to that – the activity at the airport generates almost £1 billion per year for the Scottish economy while supporting over 23, 000 jobs.

“We also believe that growth will continue at Edinburgh Airport.

“Fundamentally we’re an importer of people. So we concentrate not on the five million Scots that we serve but on the seven billion people across the globe that wish to enjoy what our great country has to offer.

“Scotland is a great product. Our growth is driven by that product. Edinburgh is Scotland’s attack brand; it leads the rest of the country and will continue to do so, whether in terms of tourism or business. Scotland itself has a great global draw.

“Edinburgh Airport is an enabler – a conduit for prosperity for all. But we also firmly believe that our growth is something that must be linked to, supported by and supportive of Edinburgh’s future development.

“That’s why this Masterplan document is so important. It sets out how we think we’ll grow in the decades to come and we’re asking some questions around that. Your views are important in making sure that our thinking is correct and that it fits with wider plans.”

A dedicated ‘Masterplan’ website will be set up to invite feedback, while three events will be held to gather public views; one at the airport for airport users/the general public; and for other stakeholders two further events at the Hilton and Marriot Hotels.