Prestwick Airport marks seventh year of profitability as new business model takes off

The result for the year to the end of March 2026 represents an 11 per cent increase on the previous 12-month period.

Bosses at the Ayrshire airport, which was acquired by the Scottish government in 2013 for the nominal sum of £1, said the latest financial performance reflected the continued delivery of the board’s growth strategy, “focused on customer growth, operational excellence and asset optimisation”.

Over the past 12 months, the airport, which is located some 32 miles from Glasgow, is said to have further strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading cargo gateways to Asia. Key developments include increased frequency of Air China Cargo scheduled services, and the launch of a dedicated seafood export service following investment in a “cool chain centre” and specialist handling team.

The airport, which features the longest commercial runway in Scotland, also saw a continued recovery in passenger traffic, up by 11 per cent year on year.

Chief executive Jules Matteoni said: “Cargo has been the primary driver of growth during the year. Freight volumes quadrupled in 12 months to more than 46,000 tonnes in the year to March 2026, reflecting the successful execution of our strategy to position the airport as a leading UK cargo gateway.

“The development of long-haul scheduled cargo connectivity, particularly with Asian markets, has driven both import and export growth, supported by investment in cold storage facilities, enhanced handling capabilities and bonded warehouse infrastructure.”

Prestwick also continued to diversify its cargo offering during the year through investment in the dedicated cool chain centre and the recruitment of specialist staff to support the handling of temperature-sensitive products.

Building on this capability, the airport launched its new seafood export service in January. The service has already demonstrated strong demand, airport bosses noted, with more than 1.5 million kilograms of seafood exported to China during its first six months of operation, providing producers with faster access to key Asian markets.

While cargo growth has proved a gamechanger for the airport, passenger operations also delivered another solid performance, with total passenger numbers increasing to more than 600,000 during the year - some way off a peak of more than two million in 2007. Low-cost carrier Ryanair has increased frequencies on several summer routes and announced a new route for the 2026 winter season.

Matteoni said: “The positive momentum of recent years has continued, and we expect further growth in the year ahead. The airport remains a major economic driver for the region, and cargo growth alone has created over 200 jobs in the past year, meaning the airport now directly employs more than 500 people, delivering significant benefits for the local economy.”

The airport also continues to play a vital strategic role in supporting UK military and defence operations. It has built a strong international reputation for handling military aircraft from Nato-aligned countries including the RAF, the US Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force. The facility remains an important strategic partner for the Ministry of Defence and its future operational requirements.

Matteoni added: “Glasgow Prestwick Airport is a strategic national asset, and this is further evidenced by the Ministry of Defence’s decision to relocate its Voyager fleet here for five months this year while essential resurfacing and improvement works on the airfield operating surface at RAF Brize Norton are carried out.

“We are proud of the role we play in supporting both economic growth and national resilience, and we remain committed to building on the success achieved over the past year.”

He said the airport was well positioned to build on the momentum achieved during the 2025/26 financial year. Key aims include expanding connectivity to international markets, increasing passenger numbers and continuing with investment in specialist infrastructure.

“As it continues to strengthen its role as a major economic driver and an international trade gateway, the airport remains focused on creating long-term value for customers, partners, employees and the wider Ayrshire economy,” bosses stressed.

Willie Mackie, chairman of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: “This is the seventh year in a row the airport has returned a profit - a significant milestone that demonstrates the strength of our strategy and the sustained momentum we have built over recent years. The airport has now firmly established itself as a major UK trade hub and a premier gateway for Scottish exports, playing a critical role in connecting global markets with some of Scotland’s most important industries, including salmon and whisky.

“This success reflects the dedication, professionalism and ambition of our staff, whose efforts continue to deliver tangible results not only for the airport but also for the wider Ayrshire and Scottish economies. As we build on seven consecutive years of profitability, we are creating a strong platform for long-term growth and reinforcing the airport’s strategic importance to Scotland’s international trade ambitions,” he added.

Last month, potential strikes by more than 400 workers at Prestwick were averted after the Unite union agreed a pay deal with its government-owned operator.

Pay disputes involving strike ballots are common at airports at this time of year when they are generally at their busiest, but are often resolved before any industrial action goes ahead.

Staff at Prestwick such as cleaners, firefighters, ground crew and those in ground handling, cargo, customer services and security secured increases of 5.1 to 8 per cent.

Strike threat at Prestwick Airport averted after Unite union agrees pay deal for 400 workers