Earlier this year, Aberdeen Airport completed the first phase of the £20 million redevelopment that was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in 2016. Many will agree that the expansion is long overdue, as the airport has remained largely unchanged since it first opened its doors in 1977, despite a steady increase in passenger numbers that is set to continue over the coming years.
The changing face of airports
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Airport construction experts Lagan Construction Group have been involved in a number of airport construction projects over the years, and have seen radical changes in the nature of airport design principles. The truth is that today, passengers have more choice than ever, even when it comes to air travel. It is not enough for the facility to be functional, it also needs to offer passengers an exemplary experience from the moment they arrive in the car park to the moment they are airborne.
Modern airports also have 21st century security and sustainability considerations to keep in mind – get the latter part right and it means that not only is the facility’s environmental impact kept to a minimum, it also more often than not means a reduction in operating costs.
The airport at Dyce currently serves over three million passengers per year, a number that is expected to rise to four million by 2020. More than 50 percent of passengers passing through the airport are business travellers, most working in the oil and gas industry. When complete, the upgrades will result in a 50 percent increase in the size of the terminal.
Works completed to date
In summer, the first phase was completed, with upgrades to the electrical infrastructure, construction of the new steel superstructure and the creation of new domestic and international baggage reclaim areas.
Business travellers will be particularly pleased that the new Northern Lights executive lounge is finally open. It features a full bar, complete with a well-stocked whisky wall, locally sourced food and spectacular views of the runway.
Camilla braves the elements
Although the works were completed some months ago, the official opening ceremony took place on 04 October, when a windswept-looking Camilla, Duchess of Rothesay, arrived in blustery conditions to do the honours.
Prince Charles’ 70-year-old wife took time to chat with both staff and some unsuspecting passengers. She was given a full tour of the new facilities, before unveiling a commemorative plaque.
She told onlookers: “I am probably a bit biased that it is my favourite airport, but the service here is certainly impeccable.”
Next steps
With the baggage claim and lounges complete, there are still two more phases in the overall upgrade programme. The first will cater to the modern day security needs of international air travellers, with a new and enlarged security screening area, that will allow passengers to get airside quickly, comfortably and safely. This is due to be complete in May 2018.
The final stage will be to complete the new retail outlets, providing passengers with a broad range of duty free shopping opportunities. This final stage is scheduled for completion in 2019.
