Police Scotland has rolled out a new clampdown called Operation Safe Landing at Aberdeen International Airport — hoping to catch and deter holidaymakers who risk driving under the influence after a few too many in the skies.
A Friendly Reminder With a Serious Message
It’s not unusual to see folks order a drink — or three — on their holiday flights. But stepping off the plane and into the driver’s seat? That’s where the problems start.
Border Policing and Road Policing officers are teaming up for this initiative. You’ll spot them in greater numbers around arrivals, chatting with passengers, doing roadside checks, and, if they smell trouble, pulling out the breathalysers.
One-liner: It’s about getting people home in one piece.
Inspector Kelly Manson, speaking with that no-nonsense calm only a police officer can manage, put it bluntly: alcohol plus travel tiredness can mess with your ability to drive safely — fast.
And Scotland’s drink-drive limit? It’s famously strict. One more for the road might just be one too many.
Early Wins Show There’s Work To Do
This isn’t just some PR stunt. Police Scotland’s already seen results since the project began. A few drivers have been caught for drink or drug offences. Others got nabbed for careless driving, vehicle faults, or even texting behind the wheel.
One bloke was even traced for an unrelated matter, proving you never really know who you’ll bump into at a checkpoint.
A quick glance at recent numbers: Police Scotland logged 8,568 drink and drug driving offences in 2024/25 alone.
One line: That’s nearly 24 offences a day, every day.
Road Policing Inspector Steve Manson spelled it out: “Drink driving kills and seriously injures people.” No fancy spin needed. The law here carries heavy penalties — a year-long driving ban at minimum, a possible £5,000 fine, and sometimes even prison.
How Operation Safe Landing Works
So, how does this actually look for travellers? Officers stand ready near arrivals. They’re not out to ruin your holiday buzz — but they’re not shy about asking awkward questions either.
If you’ve had a few drinks mid-flight, they’ll ask you to think twice before grabbing your car keys. In some cases, they might breathalyse you right there or at roadside stops on your route home.
There’s an educational side too:
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Officers chat with passengers about how long alcohol stays in your system.
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They share leaflets reminding folks about the Scottish limits.
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They offer advice on planning a lift or using public transport.
One-liner: Better to get an earful at arrivals than a fine at the roadside.
It’s a pilot scheme for now, but if the stats show it works, don’t be surprised if Operation Safe Landing lands at other Scottish airports soon.
Airport Backs The Crackdown
Aberdeen International Airport’s management has thrown its full weight behind the project. Head of Operations Robert Paterson stressed that passenger safety is always priority number one. He’s hoping the new policing presence will make travellers pause before taking risks.
There’s a touch of realism too. Paterson admits holidays are meant for unwinding — but urges people to think ahead about how they’ll get home.
One-sentence para: No one wants a relaxing break to end with flashing blue lights and a court date.
Aberdeen Airport wants to stay family-friendly and stress-free. A strong visible police presence helps reassure families, not just the reckless few.
The Bigger Picture on Scottish Roads
Operation Safe Landing comes against a grim backdrop. Despite repeated awareness campaigns, Scotland’s drink-driving problem just won’t go away. Each festive season or summer getaway tends to see a spike in offences.
A lot of people wrongly think they’re okay to drive after “just a couple.” But the reality? Everyone processes booze differently. Factor in travel fatigue, time zone shifts, dehydration — it’s a recipe for disaster.
One line: No one wants to see another family torn apart by a preventable crash.
And then there’s the ripple effect. One bad decision can saddle you with a criminal record, higher insurance premiums for years, and a reputation that’s hard to shake.
More Than Just a Holiday Reminder
Police Scotland says this initiative is about saving lives, plain and simple. While the big push is during holiday season, the message holds year-round: if you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive.
The hope is that those landing at Aberdeen Airport will take the hint. Get a lift. Grab a cab. Book that airport bus. Better that than risking a ban — or worse.
As Inspector Steve Manson put it: “We’re asking everyone to take responsibility and help us save lives.”
