Edinburgh Airport hails new flight path a 'success'

Edinburgh Airport has said the recent five-month trial of a new flight path was a success.

The route saw planes take off towards the Forth, passing over West Lothian and to the east of Linlithgow.

The airport said it reduced congestion and allowed increased airspace capacity but no decision will be made on its future until the end of the year.

Some people living under the proposed path object to the plan. Edinburgh is Scotland's busiest airport.

Neighbouring communities

The new trial route has been called Tutur.

An Edinburgh Airport spokesman, said: "The report published today shows the viability of one minute separation times between departing aircraft from Edinburgh Airport during our peak periods.

"This presents a great opportunity for us to meet the demands of Scotland's growing international reputation and will enable us to create more jobs and help grow the economy.

"While the trial was a success, there is still work to do both technically and with our neighbouring communities.

"The majority of complaints received during the trial period came from a relatively small number of people who live in pockets of communities in West Lothian.

"While the majority of these complaints did not relate to flights on the Tutur flight path - we take our neighbours' concerns seriously.

"Our decision on Tutur will be not be taken hastily.

"The trial has allowed us to collect data to inform that decision and should we decide to progress for a permanent change we shall have two three-month periods of full consultation, an environmental impact assessment and further rigorous tests."