Glasgow Airport in Scotland has recorded its largest ever annual increase in passenger numbers after more than 8.7 million passengers traveled through its terminals in 2015, representing an increase of 13% over 2014.
The airport, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2016, experienced growth during each month of 2015, ensuring it was able to record its fifth consecutive year of growth and return its passenger numbers to pre-recession levels.
Over the past 12 months the airport announced 30 new routes and services, leading to uplifts in both international and domestic traffic over the year – up by 16.8% and 9% respectively. The airport was also classified as one of the fastest growing airports in Europe by airport trade body ACI Europe.
More than 569,000 people traveled through the airport in December 2015 – an increase of 10.1% on 2014 – which saw the airport report its busiest December on record. International traffic grew by 16.4% while domestic was up by 5.3% for the same period.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said, “2015 was exceptional in so many respects and we start our golden anniversary year in an incredibly strong position.
“Welcoming an additional one million passengers through our doors last year was a huge accomplishment, but by far the most pleasing aspect was the extent to which we bolstered our connections to European cities such as Budapest, Prague, Milan and Bucharest.
“This year marks the airport’s 50th anniversary and we are determined to ensure this year makes the history books. Over the coming months we will welcome two major flag carriers in the form of Air Canada Rouge and Air France, and a new service to Montreal will commence with Air Transat. With these airlines, and others, coming on board we anticipate that 2016 will be our busiest year ever – topping nine million passengers for the first time in our history and putting us on a trajectory toward 10 million.
“As well as developing our growing route network, we will also continue to invest in our terminal and facilities in 2016 and will shortly unveil details of our terminal redevelopment plan.”
