Glasgow Airport has officially kicked off its 60th anniversary celebrations, marking six decades since it first opened its doors to commercial passengers in 1966. What started as a former military airfield has grown into Scotland’s main long-haul gateway and a vital economic engine for the west of Scotland.
The airport wants everyone to join the party throughout 2026 with special events, a new commemorative logo, and a big push for people to share their personal airport stories using #GLA60Stories.
From Wartime Runways to International Hub
The story actually begins long before 1966. The site first saw planes in 1932 when it opened as RAF Abbotsinch. During World War II it became the naval air station HMS Sanderling, training pilots and maintaining Fleet Air Arm aircraft.
After the war ended, civilian flights started sharing the runways. But it took until May 1966 for the brand-new terminal, designed by famous architect Sir Basil Spence, to open properly. Queen Elizabeth II did the official honors on 27 June 1966.
That summer morning, a British European Airways Comet 4B from London became the first commercial flight to land at the new Glasgow Airport.
Six Decades of Growth and Big Moments
The airport has seen massive changes over 60 years. Passenger numbers have climbed from a few hundred thousand in the early days to more than 9 million a year before the pandemic struck.
Some standout moments that shaped the airport:
- 1975: The opening of the current main terminal building
- 1989: First direct transatlantic flights to Canada
- 2004: Ryanair sets up base and triggers huge low-cost boom
- 2014: Emirates starts daily Dubai service, opening Middle East routes
- 2016: 50th anniversary and record 9.9 million passengers
- 2023: Return of direct North American routes after pandemic gap
Today Glasgow serves more than 120 destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and holiday hotspots.
What’s Happening for the Big 60
The airport has planned celebrations all through 2026. Travelers will spot the special 60th anniversary logo on signs, boarding passes, staff uniforms, and digital screens.
A memory gallery will pop up in the terminal showing old photos, uniforms, tickets, and stories from staff and passengers over the years.
The airport team is asking everyone to share their own Glasgow Airport moments, whether it was a first solo flight, tearful family goodbye, dream holiday takeoff, or coming home after years away. Selected stories will appear on the airport website and social media.
Bright Future with New Routes Coming
Managing Director Gavin Birch-Williams says the anniversary is about looking forward as much as back.
“We have big plans for 2026 and beyond,” he told reporters. “Several exciting new routes start next year including direct flights to New York and Toronto plus brilliant European destinations.”
Swiss airline Edelweiss will launch direct Zurich flights in summer 2026, perfect timing for connecting to their huge long-haul network.
The airport continues to invest heavily in facilities too. Recent upgrades include bigger security halls, more shops and restaurants, and better special assistance areas.
Sustainability sits high on the agenda. Glasgow aims to reach net zero carbon operations by 2035, well ahead of most UK airports.
Why Glasgow Airport Still Matters to Scotland
More than just somewhere to catch a plane, Glasgow Airport supports around 7,000 jobs directly and thousands more across the region. It brings in millions of tourists every year and helps Scottish businesses trade worldwide.
For countless families across Scotland and beyond, those departure gates have been the start of adventures, the end of holidays, the place for emotional reunions, and sometimes heartbreaking goodbyes.
This airport has been part of Scotland’s story for sixty years now.
As the celebrations get underway, one thing feels clear: Glasgow Airport is not just marking the past. It is getting ready for its next big chapter, carrying Scotland to the world and bringing the world back home for generations to come.
What is your favorite Glasgow Airport memory? Drop it in the comments below or share it with #GLA60Stories. Let us keep building this story together.
