SHOW STOPPING MAY PERFORMANCE FOR GLASGOW AIRPORT
• Ten new routes launched in May • 13.3% increase in monthly passenger numbers
Glasgow Airport has recorded its busiest May in seven years after 785,063 passengers travelled through its doors during the month, representing an increase of 13.3% on the same period last year.
International traffic grew by 17% while domestic traffic increased by 9.1%, ensuring the airport was able to record its 27th consecutive month of growth.
Ten new routes got off the ground during the month, including Thomas Cook Airline’s direct weekly service to Las Vegas, Canadian airline WestJet’s first ever UK service to Halifax, and Jet2’s new route to Prague. Travel agent Barrhead Travel also resumed its summer charter flights to Malaga, Venice, Barcelona and Palma.
Domestic passenger numbers received a welcome boost during the month with hundreds of rugby fans descending on Belfast to watch the Glasgow Warriors play Munster at the Guinness PRO12. A number of airlines, including British Airways and easyJet also reported strong demand on London services to Heathrow and Gatwick.
Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said: “May has been a show stopping month with the launch of 10 new services, including a number of firsts for Glasgow, Scotland and the UK. Following our busiest April on record, we’ve also been recognised as one of the fastest growing airports in Europe this year by ACI Europe. Our growth in 2015 has been unprecedented so far, reflected in the fact we’ve enjoyed consistent double digit increases in our passenger numbers every month since November.
“The summer holiday season is now in full swing, and work continues apace in the terminal as we continue to improve our facilities for our customers. Following a £500,000 refurbishment programme, our new, dedicated passenger lounge is now open and is being incredibly well received.
“Over the coming weeks our customers will no doubt be pleased to see the launch of more exciting new routes, including direct flights to Bordeaux and Budapest.”
The introduction of WestJet’s new daily service to Halifax, in addition to Las Vegas, and the announcement that Thomas Cook Airlines will begin direct flights to Cancun and Barbados later this year takes Glasgow Airport’s long haul service offering to 18. Further route developments during the month included Jet2.com announcing a new route to Girona in Catalonia which will start in 2016.