Scottish police have closed the airport in Edinburgh and are diverting incoming flights after finding a suspicious bag.

Bomb disposal experts were called in to inspect the piece of luggage, which was discovered in the main search area of the airport at 1.50pm GMT on Tuesday (0050 AEDT on Wednesday), police say.

“We are currently investigating a suspect package,” an airport spokesman said.

“The airport has been closed and flights have been diverted to other airports.”

Around 500 passengers have been evacuated from the terminal, the spokesman said.

Police confirmed that they had closed the building and surrounding roads “following the discovery of a potentially suspicious bag within the central search area”.

“The explosive ordnance disposal are currently in attendance to inspect the item and officers are maintaining a cordon to ensure the safety of the public.”