The project, which will stretch out from the existing gate 12 area, covering the old east end service yard out to the Gogar Burn, is the start of an £80 million investment plan to help the airport handle forecasted record number of passengers.

Due to be completed by summer 2018, the expansion is part of the airport’s £220m+ capital investment programme to support growth and maintain operational standards over the next five years.

The expansion will see the South East Pier extended to create new boarding gates and seating areas between gates 13 and 14.

Designed to support forecasted growth of up to 16.5million passengers in 2021 and beyond, it will provide:

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.”