Edinburgh Airport Overcomes IT Crisis Amid Record-Breaking Growth

Introduction: A Hub of Activity and Challenge

Edinburgh Airport has found itself at the centre of attention this week, facing both challenges and celebrating achievements. Flights resumed Friday at Edinburgh Airport after a brief shutdown due to computer problems in the air traffic control system, disrupting thousands of travellers. This incident comes as Edinburgh Airport experienced its busiest year in terms of passenger numbers, with a total of 15 million passengers in 2024, marking a significant milestone for Scotland’s aviation sector.

Recent IT Disruption Causes Travel Chaos

On 5th December 2025, an IT issue with its air traffic control provider brought operations to a standstill. Around 30 flights were impacted during the morning disruption. Passengers experienced significant delays, with some aircraft stuck on the tarmac for extended periods. The airport worked swiftly to resolve the technical fault, with flights now resumed following the IT issue with our air traffic provider. The incident highlights the critical importance of robust technology infrastructure at major transport hubs, particularly as around 43k passengers use the airport each day.

Record-Breaking Passenger Numbers Signal Growth

It marked the busiest year for any Scottish airport in history, with Edinburgh achieving the 15 million passenger milestone for the first time. Last year’s impressive passenger total represented a 10% year-on-year increase compared to 2023 figures. The growth has been driven by Emirates returning to Edinburgh with a daily service to Dubai, JetBlue entering the Scottish market with daily flights to New York during the summer, and WestJet expanding its presence by adding Toronto and Halifax. Major events including Euro 2024 and Taylor Swift concerts also contributed to the surge.

Conclusion: Looking Forward Despite Challenges

It is the sixth busiest airport in the UK, and its importance continues to grow. The airport has already announced new routes and airlines for 2025, such as the return of American Airlines and its Philadelphia route, JetBlue adding Boston to its options, and Austrian Airlines entering the Scottish market. While the recent IT disruption serves as a reminder of operational vulnerabilities, Edinburgh Airport’s record passenger numbers demonstrate strong demand for air travel to and from Scotland. For travellers, the airport remains a vital gateway, though recent events underscore the importance of allowing extra time and staying informed about potential disruptions.