Work is under way on a three-storey extension to Edinburgh Airport’s terminal building — the start of a current £80 million investment plan to help the airport handle a record number of passengers.

The current expansion is part of the airport’s overall £220 million capital investment programme to support forecasted growth of up to 16.5 million annual passengers by 2021.

Edinburgh Airport is owned by Global Infrastructre Partners, which also owns Gatwick Airport, London City Airport, Port of Brisbane, and Port of Melbourne.

The current extension at Edinburgh Airport will stretch from existing gate 12 area, covering the old east end service yard out to the Gogar Burn.

The expansion is due to be completed by summer 2018 and will see the south east pier extended to create new boarding gates and seating areas between gates 13 and 14.

Edinburgh Airport CEO 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.”