Mark Johnston has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Edinburgh Airport (EDI), succeeding Gordon Dewar after his 14 years leading Scotland’s busiest airport.
Johnston, currently Chief Operating Officer at London Gatwick, will take up his new role at Edinburgh Airport on 1 October 2026.
The appointment comes at a significant moment for EDI, which is preparing to embark on the largest capital investment programme in the airport’s history.
Johnston said he had been “privileged” to lead the operations teams at London Gatwick for the past two and a half years, particularly while operating in a challenging market.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the operations teams at London Gatwick for two and a half years and deliver a world-class service to our passengers and airlines in a very challenging market,” Johnston said. “We have continued to innovate to further optimise what is already the world’s most efficient single-runway airport, enhancing operational performance and resilience.”
His move to Edinburgh also represents a return to his home city. Johnston, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, said the appointment was particularly meaningful as he prepares to take charge of an airport that he sees as playing an important role in Scotland’s future connectivity and economic development.
“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,” he said.
He also highlighted the scale of the opportunity ahead, pointing to the airport’s forthcoming investment programme and its established workforce.
“It’s also an exciting time to be joining the airport as it embarks on the largest ever capital investment programme in its history,” Johnston said. “Its continued growth is a testament to the strength of the highly skilled team in place, and whose reputation is recognised across the industry.”
Johnston said he looked forward to working with the team to expand the airport, strengthen connectivity and contribute to the economies of both Scotland and the wider UK.
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, praising Dewar for leaving behind a strong business and an airport that has continued to develop throughout his tenure.
“I also want to pay tribute to Gordon Dewar, who leaves behind an exceptionally strong business and an airport that has gone from strength to strength under his leadership,” Johnston said. “He is someone I have always respected and admired and it’s a real privilege to be returning to my home city to build on that success at Scotland’s busiest airport.”
The leadership change follows an independent assessment of Edinburgh Airport’s wider economic contribution. According to a study carried out by BiGGAR, EDI generated GBP2.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) for Scotland in 2025 and supported more than 44,000 jobs.
The airport also handled more than GBP500 million worth of air freight during 2025, underlining its importance to Scotland’s air logistics infrastructure. The cargo activity primarily supports exporters and importers operating in sectors including life sciences, manufacturing and engineering.
Dewar welcomed Johnston’s appointment, describing him as a strong successor with extensive aviation experience and a detailed understanding of Scotland’s airport market.
“It’s a bittersweet moment because it brings my own time at Edinburgh Airport closer to an end, but I’m absolutely delighted to see someone of Mark’s calibre appointed as my successor,” Dewar said.
“I’ve known Mark for many years and he brings a wealth of aviation experience, strong leadership credentials and a deep understanding of Scotland’s aviation market. Just as importantly, he knows Edinburgh, understands the role this airport plays in the city’s success and recognises its international appeal.”
Dewar added that he had no doubt Edinburgh Airport would continue to thrive under Johnston’s leadership. Although he will be watching its development from outside the organisation, he joked that he would continue contributing to the airport’s passenger numbers as a customer.
“I have no doubt the airport will continue to thrive under his leadership, and I look forward to watching its future success from afar and contribute regularly to its passenger numbers as a customer,” he said.
