Glasgow Airport sees busiest ever year for passengers but chiefs call for clarity over potential Brexit effect

GLASGOW AIRPORT was used by more than 9.9 million passengers in 2017 as it recorded its busiest ever year.

But bosses have recognised that the aviation industry faces a number of challenges heightened by the Brexit situation.

Numbers were up 5.8% on last year, partly thanks to the launch of a number of new Ryanair services to European destinations.

And long-haul services were bolstered by a new direct flight to New York-JFK, operated by Delta, as well as record passenger numbers on services to Dubai and Orlando.

KoreaAir’s direct service from Glasgow to Seoul’s also returned last year.

https://www.sundaypost.com/news/scottish-news/scottish-airport-passenger-figures-continue-to-rise/

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “2017 was a fantastic year for the airport. To carry more than 9.9 million passengers is a huge achievement and testament to the hard work put in by more than 5000 people across the airport.

“It was also particularly pleasing that we were able to considerably increase our connectivity, particularly across Europe, by securing more than 30 routes and services during the year.”

The past year has seen an investment of £25 million into the airport’s infrastructure, including the resurfacing of the runway.

An expansion project to increase the size of the airport’s main security area is also underway.

While the airport is entering 2018 in a position of strength, the aviation industry faces a number of challenges in the coming year.

Ms McMillan added: “These challenges will be particularly heightened by the Brexit situation, so it’s important we have clarity as early as possible on how the UK’s future relationship with the European Union will work.”