This is the second of our posts and will focus specifically on Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Located to the west of Edinburgh the airport is owned by Global Infrastructure Partners. The airport is the busiest in Scotland, and is home to a mix of domestic and international routes.
Unlike our Aberdeen post we have changed the layout of our destination breakdowns to make it easier to follow. Please use the menu below to jump to a specific market segment.
- European Market Comparison
- Transatlantic Market Comparison
- North Africa and Asia Market Comparison
- Domestic and Channel Islands Market Comparison
- How Does Summer 2024 Look?
European Market Comparison
In summer 2022 EDI was home to 108 European routes across 28 countries. For summer 2022 EDI was home to Scotland’s only flights to Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Sweden.
In summer 2023 EDI was home to 106 European routes across 27 countries. Some changes within Italy occurred, with Ryanair transferring their TSF operations to VCE, however, easyJet added services to Catania, keeping the total number of routes to Italy at 13. The dropped destination was Warsaw Chopin, with WIZZ ending service to the airport, taking the total number of Polish routes to 5.
The table below breakdown the passenger number on each European route in both summer 2022 and summer 2023, as well as highlighting the change between the two years and any other notes that are relevant. The table is organised alphabetically by country.
| Destination | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | 31,012 | 26,962 | -4,0520 | EDI Exclusive |
| Burgas | 9,933 | 1,855 | -8,078 | |
| Sofia | 22,210 | 33,224 | +11,014 | EDI Exclusive |
| Brussels BRU | 43,149 | 46,450 | +3,301 | EDI Exclusive |
| Brussels CRL | 73,533 | 84,869 | +11,336 | |
| Dubrovnik | 37,929 | 40,458 | +2,529 | |
| Split | 6,708 | 7,897 | +1,189 | |
| Zadar | 18,956 | 11,367 | -7,589 | EDI Exclusive |
| Larnaca | 10,324 | 10,480 | +156 | |
| Paphos | 42,275 | 43,551 | +1,276 | |
| Prague | 62,898 | 63,217 | +319 | |
| Billund | 30,958 | 46,416 | +15,458 | EDI Exclusive |
| Copenhagen | 134,625 | 161,207 | +26,582 | |
| Vagar (Faroe Islands) | 12,383 | 11,760 | -623 | EDI Exclusive |
| Tallinn | 19,080 | 0 | -19,080 | Route dropped in S23 |
| Helsinki | 24,892 | 34,284 | +9,392 | EDI Exclusive |
| Bordeaux | 33,921 | 33,605 | -316 | |
| Beauvais | 28,628 | 36,693 | +8,065 | EDI Exclusive |
| Beziers | 16,820 | 14,934 | -1,886 | EDI Exclusive |
| Carcassonne | 18,063 | 10,901 | -7,162 | EDI Exclusive |
| Lyon | 16,540 | 18,864 | +2,324 | EDI Exclusive |
| Marseille | 29,463 | 39,299 | +9,836 | |
| Nantes | 27,148 | 21,504 | -5,644 | EDI Exclusive |
| Nice | 44,041 | 63,670 | +16,629 | EDI Exclusive |
| Nimes | 16,302 | 18,320 | +2,018 | EDI Exclusive |
| Paris CDG | 212,403 | 265,294 | +52,891 | |
| Paris Orly | 25,792 | 31,027 | +5,235 | EDI Exclusive |
| Poitiers | 15,756 | 18,746 | +2,990 | EDI Exclusive |
| Toulouse | 19,370 | 34,430 | +15,060 | EDI Exclusive |
| Berlin | 131,806 | 108,284 | -23,522 | |
| Cologne | 31,913 | 51,231 | +19,318 | EDI Exclusive |
| Dusseldorf | 24,589 | 39,077 | +14,488 | EDI Exclusive |
| Frankfurt | 146,780 | 174,895 | +28,115 | |
| Hamburg | 25,269 | 48,575 | +23,306 | EDI Exclusive |
| Munich | 43,034 | 56,620 | +13,586 | EDI Exclusive |
| Weeze | 36,466 | 53,008 | +16,542 | EDI Exclusive |
| Athens | 40,732 | 47,444 | +6,712 | EDI Exclusive |
| Corfu | 44,214 | 44,144 | -70 | |
| Kefalonia | 4,586 | 2,923 | -1,663 | |
| Heraklion | 36,692 | 46,304 | +9,612 | |
| Kos | 8,392 | 15,208 | +6,816 | |
| Santorini | 7,237 | 13,092 | +5,885 | EDI Exclusive |
| Skiathos | 5,215 | 4,875 | -340 | EDI Exclusive |
| Preveza | 7,263 | 7,235 | -28 | EDI Exclusive |
| Rhodes | 32,078 | 47,579 | +15,501 | |
| Thessaloniki | 7,421 | 7,337 | -84 | EDI Exclusive |
| Zakynthos | 13,139 | 13,202 | +63 | |
| Budapest | 84,277 | 71,791 | -12,486 | EDI Exclusive |
| Reykjavik | 18,541 | 19,001 | +460 | |
| Cork | 91,979 | 83,182 | -8,797 | EDI Exclusive |
| Dublin | 371,441 | 456,997 | +85,556 | |
| Knock | 25,595 | 28,631 | -3,036 | EDI Exclusive |
| Shannon | 35,698 | 39,605 | +15,143 | EDI Exclusive |
| Bari | 19,134 | 20,768 | +1,634 | EDI Exclusive |
| Bergamo | 42,446 | 67,203 | +24,757 | EDI Exclusive |
| Bologna | 28,059 | 31,397 | +3,338 | |
| Catania | 0 | 11,292 | +11,292 | EDI Exclusive, Some flights operated to Comiso due to wildfire |
| Florence | 10,840 | 10,538 | -302 | EDI Exclusive |
| Milan MXP | 37,570 | 45,900 | +8,330 | EDI Exclusive |
| Naples | 54,945 | 59,580 | +4,635 | |
| Palermo | 20,194 | 20,446 | +252 | EDI Exclusive |
| Pisa | 21,007 | 35,444 | +14,437 | |
| Rome CIA | 53,120 | 77,008 | +23,888 | EDI Exclusive |
| Turin | 16,954 | 20,299 | +3,345 | EDI Exclusive |
| Venice TSF | 20,739 | 0 | -20,739 | Moved to VCE, EDI Exclusive |
| Venice VCE | 18,243 | 58,550 | +40,307 | EDI Exclusive |
| Verona | 6,886 | 7,388 | 502 | |
| Riga | 35,501 | 21,676 | -13,825 | |
| Kaunas | 28,905 | 22,329 | -6,576 | EDI Exclusive |
| Malta | 22,987 | 32,903 | +9,916 | |
| Amsterdam | 354,236 | 387,479 | +55,570 | |
| Eindhoven | 23,436 | 19,380 | -1,064 | EDI Exclusive |
| Rotterdam | 34,358 | 20,338 | -2,735 | EDI Exclusive |
| Bergen | 4,441 | 7,496 | +3,055 | |
| Oslo | 79,695 | 87,957 | +8,262 | |
| Stavanger | 2,931 | 3,057 | +126 | |
| Gdansk | 63,236 | 78,182 | +14,946 | |
| Krakow | 80,008 | 71,090 | -8,918 | |
| Poznan | 31,604 | 22,238 | -9,366 | EDI Exclusive |
| Warsaw WAW | 22,208 | 0 | -22,208 | WIZZ dropped route for S23 |
| Warsaw WMI | 53,733 | 47,283 | -6,450 | |
| Wroclaw | 31,575 | 21,954 | -9,621 | |
| Faro | 128,086 | 137,301 | +9,215 | |
| Funchal | 10,722 | 10,482 | -240 | |
| Lisbon | 60,753 | 66,157 | +5,404 | |
| Porto | 31,139 | 40,659 | +9,250 | |
| Bucharest | 54,263 | 40,958 | -13,305 | EDI Exclusive |
| Bratislava | 20,207 | 22,337 | +2,130 | EDI Exclusive |
| Alicante | 154,955 | 160,072 | +5,117 | |
| Barcelona | 131,486 | 145,289 | +13,803 | |
| Fuerteventura | 43,604 | 45,236 | +1,632 | |
| Gran Canaria | 42,522 | 50,379 | +7,857 | |
| Ibiza | 49,122 | 52,639 | +3,517 | |
| Lanzarote | 93,642 | 103,490 | +9,848 | |
| Madrid | 103,672 | 124,581 | +20,909 | EDI Exclusive |
| Mahon | 11,974 | 18,592 | +6,618 | |
| Malaga | 132,656 | 105,552 | -27,104 | |
| Palma | 185,643 | 206,500 | +20,857 | |
| Reus | 18,077 | 14,563 | -3,514 | |
| Santander | 20,373 | 25,508 | +5,135 | EDI Exclusive |
| Santiago | 19,475 | 20,107 | +632 | EDI Exclusive |
| Seville | 21,542 | 28,628 | 7,086 | EDI Exclusive |
| Tenerife | 177,656 | 191,742 | +14,086 | |
| Valencia | 20,957 | 23,177 | +2,220 | EDI Exclusive |
| Goteborg | 24,825 | 23,855 | -970 | EDI Exclusive |
| Stockholm | 45,176 | 69,885 | +24,709 | EDI Exclusive |
| Basel | 62,099 | 57,420 | -4,679 | EDI Exclusive |
| Geneva | 93,846 | 106,848 | +13,002 | EDI Exclusive* |
| Zurich | 42,051 | 56,624 | +14,573 | EDI Exclusive |
As the above table shows, EDI had a mixed performance when it comes to European routes. Of the 106 routes, 31 recorded a reduction in passengers, while 74 recorded increases.
As previously mentioned Ryanair transferred operations between airports in Venice, and WIZZ dropped services to one of the two Warsaw airports served. Estonia was the only country to lose service from EDI between the two seasons.
Overall, EDI was able to increase its international passengers by 644,709 passengers in summer 2023 when compared to the previous year.
Transatlantic Market Comparison
In summer 2022 EDI was home to 9 transatlantic destinations in three countries – it should be pointed out that MLB and CUN were operated for approximately 4 weeks each by TUI.
In summer 2023 EDI was home to 11 transatlantic destinations in three countries – it should be pointed out that MLB and CUN were operated for approximately 4 weeks each by TUI.
The table below breakdown the passenger number on each transatlantic route in both summer 2022 and summer 2023, as well as highlighting the change between the two years and any other notes that are relevant.
| Destination | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | 0 | 36,777 | +36,777 | EDI Exclusive |
| Toronto | 69,742 | 67,936 | -1,806 | |
| Cancun | 2,272 | 2,039 | -233 | |
| Atlanta | 0 | 43,566 | +43,566 | EDI Exclusive |
| Boston | 38,354 | 65,884 | +27,530 | EDI Exclusive |
| Chicago | 21,249 | 46,091 | +24,842 | EDI Exclusive |
| Orlando MCO | 24,570 | 22,856 | -1,714 | EDI Exclusive |
| Orlando MLB | 1,771 | 1,997 | +266 | |
| New York EWR | 68,444 | 109,995 | +41,551 | EDI Exclusive |
| New York JFK | 67,634 | 84,536 | +16,902 | EDI Exclusive |
| Washington D.C | 77,268 | 57,085 | -20,183 | EDI Exclusive |
As the above table shows, EDI had a mostly positive experience when it came to transatlantic flights. EDI was able to increase its transatlantic passengers by 167,498 passengers between the two seasons.
North Africa and Asia Market Comparison
There are four other international countries served from EDI that have not yet been mentioned. These are China, Morocco, Qatar and Turkiye.
It should be pointed out that flights to China did not operate in summer 2022.
The table below breakdown the passenger number on each route in both summer 2022 and summer 2023, as well as highlighting the change between the two years and any other notes that are relevant.
| Destination | S22 | S23 | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 0 | 11,281 | +11,281 | EDI Exclusive |
| Marrakesh | 20,505 | 20,265 | -240 | EDI Exclusive* |
| Doha | 97,245 | 179,361 | +82,116 | EDI Exclusive |
| Antalya | 77,422 | 109,974 | +32,552 | |
| Bodrum | 32,706 | 29,131 | -3,575 | |
| Dalaman | 66,694 | 83,313 | +16,619 | |
| Istanbul | 66,737 | 73,808 | +7,071 | EDI Exclusive |
| Izmir | 7,694 | 12,096 | +4,402 |
Overall EDI was able to increase passenger number on these routes by 150,226 passengers in summer 2023 when compared to summer 2022.
Domestic and Channel Islands Market Comparison
*Despite being next to Spain flights to Gibraltar are still domestic flights as the UK signed the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the “Chicago Convention”) on behalf of itself, the Crown Dependencies and the Overseas Territories, including Gibraltar
Overall the summer 2022 domestic network from EDI consisted of flights to 20 destinations. In summer 2023 this was reduced slightly to 18, following flights to Derry/Londonderry, Gibraltar* and Guernsey not operating.
The table below breakdown the passenger number on each route in both summer 2022 and summer 2023, as well as highlighting the change between the two years and any other notes that are relevant.
| Destination | Summer 2022 | Summer 2023 | Changes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast City | 49,988 | 61,225 | +11,237 | |
| Belfast Intl | 197,815 | 245,718 | +47,903 | |
| Birmingham | 108,239 | 104,665 | -3,574 | |
| Bournemouth | 0 | 33,487 | +33,487 | EDI Exclusive |
| Bristol | 179,088 | 213,962 | +34,874 | |
| Cardiff | 13,475 | 10,979 | -2,496 | |
| Derry/Londonderry | 5,148 | 0 | -5,148 | |
| Exeter | 17,086 | 14,239 | -2,847 | |
| Gibraltar | 10,771 | 0 | -10,771 | EDI Exclusive |
| Guernsey | 2,014 | 0 | -2,014 | |
| Isle of Man | 6,646 | 6,146 | -500 | |
| Jersey | 1,402 | 15,089 | +13,687 | |
| Kirkwall | 24,572 | 53,376 | +28,804 | |
| London LCY | 196,504 | 169,522 | -26,982 | |
| London LGW | 258,575 | 252,401 | -6,174 | |
| London LHR | 442,413 | 544,312 | +101,899 | |
| London LTN | 160,998 | 170,316 | +9,318 | |
| London STN | 138,320 | 303,822 | +165,502 | |
| Newquay | 12,100 | 16,189 | 4,089 | |
| Southampton | 55,935 | 50,237 | -5,698 | |
| Stornoway | 11,381 | 10,910 | -471 | |
| Sumburgh | 26,173 | 20,733 | -5,440 |
As can be seen above EDI had a very mixed bag when it came to UK and Channel Island flights. In summer 2023 a new route to Bournemouth was added with Ryanair, however, flights to Gibraltar, Guernsey and Derry/Londonderry were removed.
Overall, 9 routes witnessed a reduction in passengers, with 9 routes also seeing an increase. It should be noted as well that the majority of the growth in this market was driven by Heathrow and Stansted, which both had a significant increase in flights.
Overall EDI was able to grow passenger numbers in this market by 389,456 passengers.
How Does Summer 2024 Look?
For Europe it is a mixed picture next summer. WIZZ air have removed Budapest and Bucharest flights and transferred them to Glasgow, this means that EDI will lose its exclusive status on these two routes.
Ryanair have cut flights to Carcassonne, Nimes, Santiago and Turin, however, they have extended their flights to Tirana during the summer season, operating 2x week
Vueling appear to have removed their last route from Edinburgh to Barcelona, however this has not been officially confirmed.
Sticking with Europe and Eurowings have added services to Stuttgart, and British Airways have added a limited season of flights to San Sebastian and Olbia. Jet2 will add flights to Rome and Malta for next summer, and their new Prague route will come online at the tail end of the season. Rounding out the European news is Norwegian adding flights to Bergen, while Loganair remove Stavanger flights.
Looking at the transatlantic market, Washington D.C will be served for the full season, helping it return to 2022 levels of passengers. JetBlue will add flights to New York JFK. TUI have removed flights to Cancun and Orlando MLB.
The largest growth in this market will be to Canada, with Westjet adding flights to Halifax and Toronto, as well as adding an additional weekly flight to Calgary.
Moving to North Africa and Asia, Ryanair will add a 2x week service to Agadir in Morocco, Southwind will add a weekly flight to Antalya and SunExpress will add a route to Dalaman.
Qatar Airways will utilise larger aircraft on their Doha route (thanks to Steven J-Figuerola for the help with frequencies and aircraft on the route!) and may also increase the number of flights.
Finally Hainan will add additional flights to Beijing next summer.
George Nugent Travels 
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