Our history

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We expect to handle 8,800 tonnes of cargo a year at Aberdeen Airport by 2030.

Aberdeen cargo

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Our history

Aberdeen Airport opened in 1934 and with the discovery of North Sea oil in 1967, soon became a major centre for helicopter activities linking oil rigs to the mainland, as well as business and leisure flights. Take a look at the milestones in our history below:

July 2008: Work begins on a £2 million forecourt project to improve passenger access, with a new dedicated access lane for taxis and a drop off area for passengers. 


June 2007: Scotland's First Minister opens the newly refurbished £10 million departure lounge.

January 2007: We appoint Kevin Brown as Aberdeen Airport's new Managing Director.


December 2006: We unveil our future vision for Aberdeen Airport, including runway extension.

June 2006: Ferrovial took control of BAA and all our airports.


2005: Aberdeen launches its blue print master plan for the next 25 years investment and growth.

2004: We unveil a third helicopter base and the first phase of £1.5m development, a new security search area, opens.


1998: Broomfield terminal opened.

1992: £2.5 - million common departure lounge development completed.


1977: £10 million invested and new passenger terminal opened, with a continuing investment programme at an average rate of £3 million per year.

1975: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) handed over to BAA (then the British Airports Authority).


1967: First offshore helicopter flight by Bristow and more rapid growth of services.


1939: Taken over by RAF and some civil flights mainly to Northern Isles, followed by gradual post-war expansion of scheduled services until the arrival of the oil industry.

1934: Dyce Airport opened on 28 July.

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