Scottish airports battle for passengers

2008-04-18

More choice for travellers is a beneficial spin-off of the fight for business between Scotland’s two largest airports. Edinburgh currently takes the crown as Scotland’s number one airport in terms of numbers flying out - but Glasgow is hoping to overhaul its counterpart later this year.

Glasgow has seen a recent drop in passenger numbers with February witnessing a 16.3% fall in charter traffic. But long-haul flights to America, Canada and the United Arab Emirates recorded a 7% increase.

Glasgow Airport spokesman Donald Morrison said: "We are not remotely despondent. We're working hard to get new routes and continue to invest in a new terminal extension, which will open in October and make Glasgow Airport much more attractive to passengers."

Morrison admits that Edinburgh is likely to remain Scotland's favourite airport for the next few months, before Glasgow aims to win back the number one spot at the start of the busy summer season.

He said: "With more than 40 new services, mainly international, set for take off this year, the number of direct flights from Scotland has never been greater. That is good news for Scotland's business community, as well as for holidaymakers and for the country's tourist industry."