More than 2,500 people who work across Scotland’s third biggest airport are celebrating today (Tuesday 28th July) as the Dyce terminal marks its 75th birthday.

The airport officially opened on the 28th July 1934 and since then has been through many guises, from a World War II Air Force base to its current position as a lifeline service for the oil and gas industry, business and tourism across the North-east.

Aberdeen Airport’s story began on a much smaller scale, with the operation based in the original terminal on the east side of the runway. The current terminal building was opened just over 30 years ago – as the North Sea oil and gas boom saw a dramatic increase in the airport’s fortunes. Now around 500,000 people are transported on and offshore each year from Dyce, and more than three million people pass through the terminal annually.

Airport Managing Director Kevin Brown said “It is fascinating to look back over the long history of this airport, and I am proud that we have all played our part. I am also proud of the role being undertaken by the current team in shaping the airport’s future.”

“There is a lot of work going on just now, with our new parking deck close to completion, the start of an investment in international arrivals well underway, and major works continuing to re-surface our runway.

“Just a few years ago a study was carried out by the Fraser of Allander Institute, which concluded that the airport contributes around £500 million a year to the Scottish economy. Approximately 2,500 people are employed across the campus by a whole range of companies and more than three million passengers a year pass through the terminal annually. It is their future that we are investing in.”

Today, Aberdeen airport handles 3.3 million passengers a year and offers flights to 40 destinations served by 20 airlines.

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