The first phase of a £2million programme to improve access and security at Aberdeen Airport is complete and open to members of the public.

The new ‘dedicated drop-off’ section has been unveiled, allowing passengers flying from the airport to be dropped-off, close to the entrance to the terminal.

The ‘no waiting’ restrictions – in place at the original drop-off area outside the terminal building, prior to the incident at Glasgow Airport last year - will continue to apply in the new drop-off zone.

Work on further phases of the investment programme is continuing. The airport anticipates new traffic management measures, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems and security bollards will be in place by early 2009.

The area previously used as the inner forecourt will be open only to pedestrians, to improve ease of access for the travelling public.

By summer next year, a new Aberdeen airport car park deck on three levels providing an additional 500 spaces, a new terminal entrance and other improvements including tree planting are also expected to be introduced.