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New International Routes Boost Glasgow Airport Passenger Numbers
13 - Jan - 2017

New International Routes Boost Glasgow Airport Passenger Numbers

 

Glasgow Airport passenger numbers have risen by 9.4 million in the past year, owing to the new 25 routes introduced in 2016. The new flights to France, Belgium and South Korea boosted passenger traffic by 650,000 in the past year.

The airport now plans to introduce new flights to Munich, Bergen, Lisbon, Valencia, Palanga in Lithuania and Zadar in Croatia in the next 12 months.

Glasgow Airport’s managing director; Amanda McMillan called for the reduction of air passenger duty (APD) as proposed, which would allow the airport to compete fairly with other European airports.

She said: “If we are to realise further growth we must remain competitive with other European airports, so it’s imperative that the Scottish Government’s proposed 50 per cent cut on APD goes ahead as soon as possible. 

“APD places Scotland’s airports at a severe disadvantage when it comes to competing for new routes and this cut provides the opportunity, particularly post-Brexit, to send a clear message to airlines that Scotland remains open for business.” 

The SNP, in its 2015manifesto, promised to reduce APD by 50 per cent and announced longer term plans to completely abolish it. It confirmed in November it would halve the APD by the end of the current Scottish Parliament in 2021, despite UK transport secretary’s opposition.

Presently, economy-class passengers over 15 pay £13 each for short-haul flights or £73 for long-haul flights leaving the UK. The fee doubles for premium economy, business and first class.

Glasgow Airport’s international traffic rose by 9.2 per cent while domestic traffic grew by 5.5 per cent over the past year. 

With the introduction of inbound charter flights from Seoul through flag carrier Korean Air, Glasgow also became the first Scottish airport to operate direct service to South Korea. 

Minister for Transport Humza Yousaf said: “It feels very fitting that these record-breaking passenger numbers come in Glasgow Airport’s 50th anniversary year and I congratulate everyone involved for this fantastic achievement.”

By Airport Pickups London