Glasgow Prestwick Airport Celebrates Seventh Consecutive Year of Profit as Cargo Growth Drives Record Performance
Glasgow Prestwick Airport has reported an operating profit of £3.9 million for the year ended 31 March 2026, representing an 11% increase on the previous year and marking its seventh consecutive year of profitability.
The strong financial performance reflects the continued delivery of the Board’s growth strategy, focused on customer growth, operational excellence and asset optimisation.
Over the past 12 months, Glasgow Prestwick Airport has further strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading cargo gateways to Asia. Key developments include increased frequency of Air Cargo China scheduled services, and the launch of a dedicated seafood export service following investment in a cool chain centre and specialist handling team. The Airport also recorded continued growth in passenger traffic, which rose by 11% during the year.
Chief Executive Officer 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.”
The Airport 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 2026. The service has already demonstrated strong demand, 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 and further strengthening the Airport’s position as a specialist gateway for high-value perishable goods.
Mr Matteoni said: “The progress this year represents a transformational shift in the Airport’s business model and provides a strong foundation for future growth.”
While cargo growth has proved a gamechanger for the Airport, passenger operations also delivered another strong performance, with total passenger numbers increasing by 11% to more than 600,000. Ryanair has increased frequencies on several summer routes and announced a new route for the 2026 winter season.
Mr Matteoni added: “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 600 people, delivering significant benefits for the local economy.”
Glasgow Prestwick Airport also continues to play a vital strategic role in supporting UK military and defence operations. The Airport 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 Airport remains an important strategic partner for the Ministry of Defence and its future operational requirements.
Mr Matteoni said: “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 is 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.”
Glasgow Prestwick Airport is well positioned to build on the momentum achieved during 2025/26. With continued growth in cargo volumes, expanding connectivity to key international markets, increasing passenger numbers and ongoing investment in specialist infrastructure, the Board expects another year of sustainable growth. 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.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport Chair Dr Willie Mackie, CBE, 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.”
The accounts can be viewed by visiting Performance and Reporting.
