Edinburgh Airport is set to strengthen its position as Scotland’s international gateway with the announcement of two major year-round routes: direct flights to Beijing and an expanded near year-round service to Washington D.C. These developments mark a significant boost in transcontinental connectivity, offering Scottish travellers unprecedented access to the capitals of China and the United States.
Hainan Airlines has confirmed that its direct service between Edinburgh (EDI) and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) will now operate throughout the year, a move that ends the previous seasonal limitation to March–October. The route, Scotland’s only direct air link to China, will continue to run twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, utilising the modern Airbus A330 for comfort and efficiency.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, welcomed the news, stating:
“The return of direct flights to Beijing is fantastic news as we gear up for a hugely exciting summer, and is further evidence of the strong recovery we’re seeing here at Edinburgh. This important connectivity will provide a boost to Scotland’s universities and tourism industry, open up a wealth of new business opportunities, and enable better access to other parts of the world. We’re sure it will be highly valued whether it be by students travelling between the two countries to study, families reconnecting, or tourists travelling to visit new places.”
Scotland’s Transport Minister Kevin Stewart also praised the development:
“I welcome the announcement of this direct service between Edinburgh Airport and Beijing, which is an important development for both Edinburgh and Scotland’s international connectivity. This direct connectivity is great news for people and businesses in both Scotland and China, building strong links for business and exports, as well as making it easier for visitors and students to come and experience Scotland.”
United Airlines is extending its Edinburgh (EDI) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) service to cover nearly the entire year. Previously a summer-only route, the airline will now operate daily flights from April to October, followed by five weekly flights from October 26 until January 5. After a brief winter pause, service resumes on February 20, ramping up to daily flights again from March 29.
This expansion increases United’s seat capacity from Edinburgh by nearly 10 percent and underscores the airport’s growing importance as a transatlantic hub.
Karolien De Hertogh, Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland at United Airlines, commented:
“As the only airline providing year-round service between Edinburgh and the United States, we are thrilled to unveil this substantial expansion, which further emphasises the significance of our Edinburgh operations within United’s global framework. Our customers in Scotland can now enjoy increased travel options and time to explore Washington D.C., along with an unparalleled network from Washington Dulles, facilitating nonstop connections to 65 destinations across the Americas.”
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, added:
“This is fantastic news as we see United adding yet more growth at Scotland’s busiest airport. Taking this service to almost year-round shows the clear demand for direct connections between Scotland and the USA, and with three routes from Edinburgh Airport, it’s also a huge show of confidence in the airport as United’s base in Scotland.”
Route Details and Frequencies
| Route | Airline | Frequency | Aircraft | Airports (IATA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh–Beijing | Hainan Airlines | Twice weekly (Mon, Fri) | Airbus A330 | EDI–PEK |
| Edinburgh–Washington | United Airlines | Daily (Apr–Oct); | Boeing 757-200 | EDI–IAD |
| 5x weekly (Oct–Jan); | ||||
| Daily (from Mar 29) |
