Local MP congratulates Glasgow Airport for a record breaking 2016
Glasgow Airport’s 50th anniversary was signed off in style after 9.4 million passengers travelled through its doors in 2016, representing a 7.5% annual increase on the previous year.
International and domestic traffic over the year increased by 9.2% and 5.5% respectively, thanks to the introduction of 25 new routes and services in 2016.
The airport significantly increased its connections to European cities with the introduction of services to Marseille, Sofia and Brussels. Glasgow also strengthened its position as Scotland’s principal long-haul airport with a new direct Toronto route and additional services to Orlando.
In 2016, Glasgow also became the first airport in Scotland to establish a direct service to South Korea with the introduction of inbound charter services from Seoul through flag carrier Korean Air.
In December more than 627,000 people travelled through the airport, an increase of 10.2% on the same period in 2015, with international traffic up by 16.6% and domestic by 4.9%.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said: “2016 was a special year for Glasgow Airport as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. It’s only fitting that our airport celebrated in style by recording their best-ever passenger numbers every month and helped serve the 9.4 million passengers who came through their doors in 2016. “I congratulate the staff at Glasgow Airport for their achievements that they made in 2016 and wish them continued success for 2017.”
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “2016 was an unforgettable year with so many highlights. To record our best-ever passenger numbers month after month and to carry 9.4 million passengers was a huge accomplishment and to do it in our Golden Anniversary was extra special.
“It was also particularly pleasing that we were able to considerably increase our connectivity across Europe and this is set to continue in 2017 with the launch of six new routes to Munich, Bergen, Lisbon, Valencia, Palanga in Lithuania and Zadar in Croatia.
“December’s performance ensured we ended what was a hugely successful year on a high. Looking ahead, I’m confident that the efforts made to continually grow and enhance our route network has put Glasgow Airport on a firm trajectory towards the 10-million passenger mark.
