GIP to sell 50.01% stake in Edinburgh Airport to Vinci for £1.3bn

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is selling a 50.01% stake in Edinburgh Airport to Vinci Airports for £1.27bn (€1.49bn).

GIP said it will retain the remaining 49.99% stake and continue to manage the airport located in the Ingliston area of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland’s busiest airport and the sixth busiest airport in the UK, offering flights to more than 150 destinations across 40 airlines. 

The two firms have also agreed to invest in, and develop Edinburgh Airport and establish a long-term strategic partnership for the airport’s future development, “similar to the successful partnership established in 2019 at Gatwick Airport”.

French firm Vinci paid $3.7bn (€3.5bn) for a 50.1% shareholding in Gatwick Airport back in 2019. At the time, the other 49.99% of Gatwick Airport was held by GIP, which has been involved with the airport since 2009.

Bayo Ogunlesi, GIP’s chairman and CEO, said: “We are excited to partner with Vinci, with whom we have a strong and productive strategic relationship, to continue to support Edinburgh Airport’s future growth.

“We remain committed to providing high-quality service to passengers. We are very pleased Vinci shares our vision of Edinburgh Airport’s future.”

Michael McGhee, GIP’s deputy chairman and founding partner, said: “This partnership underlines our commitment to Scotland and its capital city airport. We are excited to extend our partnership with Vinci to deliver on our shared aspirations for the future of Edinburgh Airport, including our promise to support the airport’s 2030 sustainability commitments.”

Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of Vinci Concessions and president of Vinci Airports, said: “Together with GIP, Vinci Airports will continue the strategy of growing connectivity and developing commercial activities, whilst also leveraging Vinci Airport’s international expertise to accelerate decarbonisation and continually improving customer experience.

“This acquisition of a third freehold airport in the UK, in addition to London Gatwick and Belfast International, demonstrates Vinci Airports’ long term strategic ambition and continued commitment to the country.”

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