Edinburgh Airport is launching a new parking service that will add 5,000 spaces by 2021.
The “drop and go” service functions like a valet-style, self-service option. Drivers enter a dedicated area of the airport where HD cameras capture 360-degree images of their vehicle. Cars are then moved to secure parking lanes while customers proceed to a nearby reception. At reception, passengers check in, tag their keys and deposit them into a locked chute for safekeeping.
On return, passengers scan a QR code to retrieve their keys and the system directs them to the exact location of their car. This process reduces wait times and simplifies vehicle collection.
The service will operate from a new £12 million facility opening this summer, with bookings set to begin in the spring. The investment is intended to increase parking capacity and improve passenger convenience during peak periods.
Alec Hodgson, head of digital and parking at Edinburgh Airport, said the airport reviewed its existing parking and identified an innovative solution that responds to modern travel needs. “By using the latest technology and adapting to the digital age we are in, we are offering a self-service product which is more convenient for our passengers,” he explained.
Hodgson added that the airport is proud to introduce a first-of-its-kind approach in Scotland. The new facility aims to make better use of available space, improving both availability and affordability. “We will deliver 5,000 new spaces by 2021 and enhance availability and affordability of parking at Edinburgh Airport by using our space more efficiently,” he said.
The scheme is designed to streamline the parking experience for departing and returning passengers, easing congestion in drop-off zones and providing a secure, technology-driven alternative to traditional airport parking. With advanced imaging and an organized key-management system, the airport expects faster turnaround times and fewer delays for travelers.
As the facility opens, passengers will be able to reserve spaces online, choose the drop-and-go option at booking, and follow clear arrival instructions. The combination of digital check-in, key tagging and QR-based retrieval is intended to make the process intuitive for users while maintaining high security standards for vehicles and keys.
Overall, the initiative forms part of Edinburgh Airport’s broader efforts to modernize passenger services and increase capacity ahead of growing demand. The additional parking spaces and the streamlined drop-and-go workflow are intended to reduce stress for travelers and support smoother operations across the airport.