As a result, flights taking off or landing at the airport between 11pm and 5:45am, Sunday through to Friday, will use the airport’s secondary runway. Some occasional work will be undertaken on Friday and Saturday nights. The main runway will still be used during the day.

The change to the airport’s operation is likely to result in aircraft operating over or close to homes that do not normally experience aircraft noise, in areas such Midlothian, West Lothian and Bo’ness.

Information leaflets are being sent out to 45,000 households to inform local residents about the project and the possible disturbance. Nine community drop-in sessions are also being held throughout February and March, where airport staff will be on hand to provide more information and to answer and questions from residents. Local politicians and community groups have also been briefed.

The project will renew the runway’s life for at least ten years and will involve over 150 workers and over 130,000 man hours. Over 25,000 tonnes of new asphalt will be laid down and over one thousand runway lights will be replaced.

Edinburgh Airport Managing Director, David Johnston, said: “The resurfacing of our main runway is an extremely important project. Our runway is entirely safe to use at the moment, but these works are essential if we are to ensure the continued success of Edinburgh Airport, now Scotland’s busiest airport. This is a major piece of work which will renew the life of the runway for at least 10 years, and is part of BAA’s long term investment plan for Edinburgh.

“We have made every effort to minimise any disturbance to local residents. However if people do have concerns about the project, we would ask that they get in touch with us or drop in to one of our community meetings. They can also call our free phone noise hotline.

“The runway resurfacing is a major project which we have spent many months coordinating and planning - considering the needs of our passengers, neighbours and stakeholders. Along with our business partners and contractors, we aim to complete the work with as little impact as possible on our environment, our operation and our local communities.”