Key Points
- Gordon Dewar, CEO of Edinburgh Airport, has announced he will step down after 14 years in the role, with departure expected towards the end of 2026 following a search for his successor.
- Passenger numbers grew by 85% under his leadership, from 9,195,061 in 2012 to 16,980,588 in 2025.
- Dewar steered the airport through the COVID-19 pandemic, when passenger numbers fell to near zero, and oversaw its recovery.
- Announcement follows the extension of the VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) partnership to Edinburgh Airport in June 2024.
- Dewar described his tenure as “the highlight of my career” and expressed pride in growth for Edinburgh and Scotland.
- He plans to assist in finding his successor and continue driving business momentum in his remaining months.
- Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports Managing Director for the UK, praised Dewar as an “extremely talented executive” with a lasting legacy of strong team, growth, and strategy.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 23, 2026 – Gordon Dewar, the longstanding Chief Executive Officer of Edinburgh Airport, has announced his decision to step down after 14 years at the helm, with his departure anticipated towards the end of 2026 once a successor is appointed. This news, first reported across multiple outlets including Deadline News and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, marks the end of a transformative era for Scotland’s busiest airport, which saw passenger numbers surge by 85% under his leadership. Dewar, who joined in 2012, leaves behind a legacy of resilience, including navigating the airport through the COVID-19 crisis when traffic plummeted to near zero before rebounding strongly.
Who is Gordon Dewar?
Gordon Dewar has been a pivotal figure at Edinburgh Airport since assuming the CEO role in 2012, marking his second tenure in leadership there. Born just four miles from the runway in Carrick Knowe, his connection to the airport and the city runs deep, as he often highlighted in reflections on his career. As reported by Scottish Financial News, Dewar’s time in charge transformed Edinburgh Airport from a regional player into a competitive European hub, with passenger figures rising from approximately 9.2 million to nearly 17 million by 2025.
Under his stewardship, the airport not only achieved record growth but also embedded itself firmly within the community, prioritising values shared by its team. Coverage in ADS Advance notes that this period included dramatic expansions in connectivity, benefiting Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole. Dewar’s earlier open letter from 2010, referenced in historical contexts, underscored his long-term vision for infrastructure investments amid industry challenges.
What Did Gordon Dewar Say About His Departure?
In a personal statement shared across reports, Gordon Dewar reflected deeply on his achievements. As quoted by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, he stated:
“It has been the highlight of my career to develop this fabulous business as part of an amazing, talented and committed team. I am immensely proud of our growth record not least because what it means for my home city and for Scotland as a whole. Together we delivered better connectivity and market leading results through a business that knows its place at the heart of our community. Importantly, all of this has been driven by values that we jointly hold and are rightly passionate about.”
He continued, looking ahead:
“In my remaining months I look forward to helping find my successor and to continue driving the momentum of this business that has the brightest of futures and limitless opportunities. I will also be able to use that time to show my appreciation and thanks to all who have shaped this amazing journey and will continue to do so.”
These remarks, replicated in Deadline News and ADS Advance, emphasise his commitment to a seamless transition.
What Achievements Mark Dewar’s Tenure?
Dewar’s 14 years delivered tangible results, most notably an 85% passenger growth from 9,195,061 in 2012 to 16,980,588 in 2025, as detailed by Edinburgh Chamber. This expansion positioned Edinburgh Airport as Scotland’s largest and busiest, outpacing rivals like Glasgow, according to profiles in The Business Scot.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested his resolve, with numbers dropping to almost zero, yet recovery was swift and robust under his guidance. As noted in Travel and Tour World, Dewar used the downturn to rethink strategies, paving the way for sustainability goals towards 2030. The timely extension of the VINCI Airports/GIP partnership in June 2024, following their success at London Gatwick, bolsters the airport for ambitious capital investments ahead.
Who Praised Gordon Dewar and Why?
Stewart Wingate, VINCI Airports Managing Director for the UK, spoke on behalf of owners VINCI Airports and GIP. As reported by Scottish Financial News, Wingate said:
“Gordon is an extremely talented executive and has done a tremendous job at Edinburgh Airport over many years. He leaves with the thanks and best wishes of the Board. His legacy of a strong team, exceptional growth and a clear value driven strategy stands Edinburgh and its airport in good stead for the future.”
This sentiment echoes in Edinburgh Chamber’s coverage, highlighting Dewar’s role in fostering a value-driven culture. The Business Desk also covered the step-down, reinforcing the board’s appreciation for his contributions amid Scotland’s business landscape.
When Will Gordon Dewar Leave Edinburgh Airport?
Dewar’s exit is slated for towards the end of 2026, allowing time for a successor search and handover. Reports from Deadline News on February 19, 2026, and earlier from Edinburgh Chamber on February 17, confirm this timeline, post the 2024 ownership changes. ADS Advance, publishing on February 22, reiterated the late-2026 expectation, ensuring continuity during peak operations.
Why is Dewar Stepping Down Now?
While no specific reason beyond completion of his tenure is stated, the announcement aligns with the stabilised VINCI/GIP partnership, providing a strong foundation for the next leader. Dewar’s comments focus on pride in past successes and optimism for the future, suggesting a natural transition point after steering through pandemic recovery and growth phases. Travel and Tour World frames it as the end of a 14-year era of stability in a volatile industry.
What is the Future for Edinburgh Airport?
The airport enters an exciting phase with its most ambitious capital investment programme, supported by the VINCI/GIP structure. Dewar’s remaining months will aid in successor selection, maintaining momentum towards 2030 goals, including sustainability. Coverage across sources like Scottish Financial News underscores a “brightest of futures” with limitless opportunities, backed by a strong team and strategy.
