Originally Posted by
GulfTraveller
I strongly doubt it would attract new airlines or routes. The truth is that airlines are not hugely interested in how long it takes passengers to clear immigration, particularly if the pre clearance is reflected in the ticket price. If an airline sees potential financial benefit from a route, it willl try it, irrespective of facilities. Where it makes a difference is if an airport has a based airline which can funnel passengers between e.g. European and US flights. Edinburgh has no prospect of this (only LHR or LGW do in UK).
The airlines are interested in how many passengers are willing to travel, and how much they are prepared to pay. The airport believes that offering pre-clearance makes the airport a more desireable departure point, and therefore encourages more transfers. Edinburgh hope that by adding pre-clearance, people will fly in to Edinburgh with Easyjet etc. then connect on to a US flight, thereby boosting numbers.
It may also encourage passengers to drive up to Edinburgh instead of flying through Manchester or Glasgow, as well as encouraging people to fly from Edinbugh instead of connecting elsewhere.