Scottish airports have experienced a record-breaking start to 2026, with passenger numbers reaching unprecedented levels in the first quarter, according to new data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Edinburgh Airport recorded over 3.3 million passengers, a 7% rise from the previous year, making it one of the fastest-growing airports in the UK.

The surge in passenger numbers is largely attributed to an increase in short-haul European flights, with over one million additional travellers heading to Western Europe. Glasgow Airport and Inverness Airport also reported growth, with passenger numbers rising by 4% and 7%, respectively.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport saw a remarkable 492% increase in cargo tonnage, shipping an extra 12,000 tonnes compared to Q1 2025. This highlights the airport's expanding freight operations amidst the broader aviation growth.

Andrew McConnell, spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, commented on the robust demand: “Scotland’s airports are seeing record demand, with more passengers choosing European destinations and growth building as we head into the summer.”

Across the UK, over 61 million passengers travelled through airports in the first three months of 2026, setting a new record for the period. Notable growth was observed at Southend, Cardiff, Bournemouth, and Newcastle airports. Popular destinations included Dublin, Amsterdam, Geneva, Tenerife, and Dubai, with significant increases in passengers travelling to Madrid and Las Palmas.

As the summer approaches, the trend of increasing passenger numbers is expected to continue, driven by the popularity of European holiday destinations

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