Infrastructure specialist Global Infrastructure Partners is selling a 50.01% stake in Edinburgh Airport to private airport operator VINCI Airports for £1.27 billion.

The remaining 49.99% interest in Edinburgh Airport will continue to be managed by GIP.

As part of the agreement, GIP and VINCI will jointly lead investment in, and development of, Edinburgh Airport and establish a long-term strategic partnership for the airport’s future development, similar to the successful partnership established in 2019 at Gatwick Airport.

GIP is also a major investor in Sydney Airport and Signature Aviation. In the UK, VINCI is also a shareholder in Belfast International.

Edinburgh Airport’s Chairman Sir John Elvidge and Chief Executive Officer Gordon Dewar will, along with other key leaders, remain in their roles.

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport and the sixth busiest airport in the United Kingdom, offering flights to more than 150 destinations across 40 airlines.

As part of the transaction, Crosswind Developments, which is promoting an important business and residential development adjacent to the airport, will assume the same ownership structure as the airport. Its management team and strategy will remain, with Chairman Steve Dunlop and Chief Executive Officer John Watson continuing in their respective roles.

The completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions including regulatory and competition clearances in relevant jurisdictions. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2024.

“We are excited to partner with VINCI, with whom we have a strong and productive strategic relationship, to continue to support Edinburgh Airport’s future growth,” said Bayo Ogunlesi, Global Infrastructure Partners’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“This partnership underlines our commitment to Scotland and its capital city airport. We are excited to extend our partnership with VINCI to deliver on our shared aspirations for the future of Edinburgh Airport, including our promise to support the airport’s 2030 sustainability commitments,” said Michael McGhee, Global Infrastructure Partners’ Deputy Chairman and Founding Partner.
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter