Glasgow Airport has kicked off its 60th anniversary year with a bang, marking six decades since it first opened as Scotland’s long-haul gateway in 1966. What started as a former RAF base has grown into one of the UK’s busiest regional airports, welcoming millions of passengers and playing a huge role in putting Scotland on the global tourism map.
The year-long party promises exhibitions, live events, and a heartfelt call for travelers to share their favorite airport memories. Officials say the milestone is not just about looking back, but about charging into the future with bigger ambitions for travel and tourism.
From WWII Runways to International Hub
The story begins long before 1966. The site opened in 1932 as RAF Abbotsinch, then became Royal Navy base HMS Sanderling during World War II. After the war, with Prestwick handling most transatlantic flights, Glasgow needed its own modern airport.
That dream became reality on 2 May 1966 when the first commercial flight touched down. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the striking Basil Spence-designed terminal on 27 June the same year. That brutalist building, with its bold concrete lines, instantly became an icon of Scotland’s postwar confidence.
Over the decades the airport grew fast. The 1970s brought package holidays to Spain and the Canaries. The 1980s and 1990s saw North American routes explode. By the 2000s, low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair turned Glasgow into a launchpad for city breaks across Europe.
Today, Glasgow Airport handles close to 9 million passengers a year and connects Scotland directly to more than 120 destinations worldwide.
2026 Celebrations: Everyone’s Invited
Airport bosses have rolled out a packed calendar for the diamond jubilee year. Highlights include:
- A major history exhibition in the terminal featuring rare photos, old uniforms, and even parts of retired aircraft
- Live music and pop-up performances throughout the terminals
- Family fun days with cockpit tours and flight simulator experiences
- A special “Memory Wall” where passengers can pin their stories and photos
The airport has also launched a dedicated website section where people can upload their Glasgow Airport memories, from first flights and marriage proposals to emotional family reunions. Selected stories will be turned into short films shown on airport screens throughout 2026.
“We want to hear from everyone who has ever waved goodbye or been welcomed home here,” said airport managing director Mark Johnston. “This airport belongs to the people of Scotland.”
Driving Scotland’s Tourism Boom
Glasgow Airport is now the front door for international visitors to the entire country. More than 40 percent of overseas tourists to Scotland arrive through its gates, then head straight to Edinburgh, the Highlands, or the islands.
Recent figures show the impact. International passenger numbers jumped 21 percent in 2024 compared to 2023, with strong growth from the United States, Canada, and the Middle East. Emirates’ daily Dubai service and the return of direct flights to New York and Vancouver have been game-changers.
The airport now supports more than 7,500 direct jobs and contributes £1.4 billion to the Scottish economy every year.
Local businesses feel the difference. Hotels in Glasgow and nearby Loch Lomond report their busiest summers ever, while tour companies running Highland trips say Glasgow Airport arrivals now make up the majority of their customers.
The Next 60 Years Start Now
Even during the celebrations, the airport is pushing forward. A £20 million investment program is upgrading security halls, expanding retail space, and creating more relaxed seating areas. Plans for better public transport links, including direct rail connections, are moving closer to reality.
Sustainability is front and center. The airport aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2035, with electric ground vehicles and sustainable aviation fuel trials already underway.
As one veteran check-in worker who started in 1978 told us: “I’ve seen bell-bottoms come through here, then shoulder pads, then backpackers with phones glued to their hands. The clothes change, but the excitement of travel never does.”
Sixty years on, Glasgow Airport remains the place where Scottish adventures begin and memories are made. From that first commercial landing in 1966 to today’s packed departure gates, it has carried generations of dreams into the sky.
What is your favorite Glasgow Airport memory? Drop it in the comments below or share it with #GLA60 across social media. The airport team is reading every single one.
