BUSIEST APRIL EVER FOR GLASGOW AIRPORT
15.4% increase in April passenger numbers
Glasgow Airport has recorded its busiest April on record after 665,000 passengers travelled through its doors during the month, representing an increase of 15.4% on the same period last year.
There was a marked increase in both international and domestic traffic, which grew by 20.4% and 10.9% respectively, ensuring the airport was also able to record its 26th consecutive month of growth.
Long haul carriers Air Transat and United experienced an increase in demand for their trans-Atlantic services and the airport’s hub carriers including KLM, British Airways and Icelandair also enjoyed a busy month. Passenger numbers were also boosted by the Easter getaway which saw tens of thousands of travellers take to the skies.
April marked the start of the busy summer season and with it the return of airlines such as American Airlines. Virgin Atlantic has also added extra capacity for summer 2015 and will launch direct flights to Las Vegas in September.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “We have enjoyed double digit growth in our passenger numbers for six consecutive months but to have recorded our busiest April ever is hugely encouraging. There certainly appears to be a renewed confidence amongst passengers and airlines alike and with the launch of nine new services, including direct flights to Prague and Halifax, Nova Scotia, May promises to be yet another busy month.
“Alongside our efforts in route development, we are continuing to invest in enhancing our facilities for our customers. The £3 million extension to our east pier is nearing completion, we have embarked on a £500,000 refurbishment of our dedicated passenger lounge and earlier this month we were proud to become the home of Victoria’s Secret first store in Scotland.”
In April, Wizz Air made a series of route announcements including the news it will launch direct flights to Budapest and to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. Thomas Cook launched Scotland’s first regular service to Las Vegas on 4 May and this was followed by the news it will introduce direct flights to Barbados later this year. Barrhead Travel will also launch its summer charter programme in May which will include direct flights to Venice.