Edinburgh Airport has appointed Mark Johnston as its new Chief Executive, with the current London Gatwick Chief Operating Officer set to take up the role on 1 October 2026.
Johnston will succeed Gordon Dewar, who is stepping down after 14 years as chief executive of Scotland’s busiest airport. Johnston returns to his home city after two and a half years at London Gatwick, where he has led the airport’s operations as COO.
The appointment comes as Edinburgh Airport prepares for its next phase of growth and investment following a record year in 2025, when the airport handled 16,980,588 passengers — the highest annual total recorded by any Scottish airport.
Johnston Returns to Edinburgh
Johnston brings more than two decades of aviation experience to the role. Before joining London Gatwick in March 2024, he served as Chief Operating Officer of AGS Airports and previously held senior positions at Glasgow Airport, including Managing Director. His experience spans airport operations, security, infrastructure and terminal management.
Commenting on his appointment, Johnston said his time at Gatwick had been focused on operational performance, resilience and improving the passenger and airline experience.
He described his appointment at Edinburgh as a particularly significant opportunity given his connection to the city and the airport’s investment programme.
“I’m incredibly proud to be appointed Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, an airport that means a great deal to me as someone born and raised in this fantastic city,” Johnston said.
He added that the airport’s continued growth reflected the strength of its workforce and said he looked forward to working with the team to expand connectivity and support the Scottish and UK economies.
Johnston also paid tribute to Dewar, describing him as a respected industry figure and highlighting the strength of the business he leaves behind.
Economic and Cargo Contribution
The leadership change comes as Edinburgh Airport continues to play a significant role in Scotland’s wider economy.
An independent economic impact study by BiGGAR Economics found that the airport generated £2.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) for Scotland in 2025 and supported almost 44,000 jobs across the Scottish economy. The study also found that the airport supported £3.9 billion of economic activity and almost 72,000 jobs across the UK.
Cargo is an important part of that contribution. The study found that Edinburgh Airport handled more than £500 million worth of air freight in 2025, supporting exporters and importers in sectors including life sciences, manufacturing and engineering.
The figures underline the airport’s role not only as a passenger gateway but also as part of Scotland’s international trade infrastructure.
Investment and Future Growth
Johnston takes over as Edinburgh Airport enters a significant investment phase. In the airport’s announcement, he described the programme as the largest capital investment programme in its history.
The airport has continued to invest in infrastructure and operational capacity, including runway rehabilitation, transport improvements and terminal facilities. Its current projects include a £30 million programme to rehabilitate and modernise the main runway, alongside further infrastructure development across the airport campus.
The airport’s 2025 record passenger performance has also been supported by the expansion of its airline network, with new and returning services strengthening links across Europe, North America and Asia.
Dewar to Depart After 14 Years
Dewar announced his departure after 14 years leading Edinburgh Airport. During his tenure, passenger numbers increased from 9.2 million in 2012 to almost 17 million in 2025, representing growth of approximately 85%.
Dewar welcomed Johnston’s appointment, highlighting his aviation experience, leadership credentials and knowledge of Scotland’s aviation market.
“I’m absolutely delighted to see someone of Mark’s calibre appointed as my successor,” Dewar said, adding that Johnston understands both Edinburgh and the airport’s importance to the city and Scotland.
Dewar said he expected Edinburgh Airport to continue its growth trajectory under Johnston’s leadership and would remain a supporter of the airport after leaving his executive role.
The transition will take place against the backdrop of continued passenger growth, infrastructure investment and an expanding role for Edinburgh Airport in Scotland’s international trade and connectivity network.
