There has been an almost continuous series of NOTAMs in recent years stating that 12/30 is closed to fixed wing aircraft (although helicopters can and do use the aiming point near the middle of 12/30, close to the helipads). To the best of my knowledge, the only times it has been used by fixed wing aircraft in recent years is when there are overnight maintenance works taking place on 06/24, as was the case during 2 weekends in October. Even then, very few aircraft used it as it has no ILS and there are not many overnight movements at EDI.
Block 33, which is the turning area at the SE end of 12/30 where the 5 new stands are being created, is usually used for overflow parking due to the shortage of apron space elsewhere. Aircraft parking there are typically the larger biz jets and any airliners that need to park for more than a few hours.
In theory, 12/30 could become available if there is was a severe crosswind or in an emergency but, in order to do this, somewhere would need to be found to park any aircraft that are at Block 33 and that may prove problematic.
I have a suspicion that the five new stands at Block 33 are a temporary measure to allow work to commence extending the SE apron. Time will tell.
Last edited by Porrohman; 31st Oct 2013 at 09:45.