At Aberdeen International Airport, the number of crime incidents increased from 101 in 2022 to 318 in 2023, before dramatically escalating to 687 last year, as crime and disorder surged across all airports in Scotland.
The rate of crime and disorder at Scottish airports has significantly risen over the last two years, with Aberdeen experiencing one of the largest increases in police responses.
Recent statistics indicate that incidents rose by 41 percent from 2022 to last year, following a resurgence of holidaymakers returning to air travel after the Covid lockdowns.
Last year, police were called to 5,598 incidents at 16 airports nationwide, compared to 5,075 in 2023 and 3,989 in 2022 – a 41 percent increase over the three-year period.
At Aberdeen International Airport, the number of incidents climbed from 101 in 2022 to 318 in 2023, followed by a significant jump to 687 last year.
Dr. Stephen Wood from Leeds Beckett University, a prominent authority on aviation terrorism and its effects on travelers, stated that the increasing number of incidents reflects a broader trend observed in airports throughout the UK, according to the Daily Record.
The senior lecturer noted that advancements in technology and scanning equipment enable airport police to identify a greater number of offenses. Dr. Wood also suggests that the rise in crimes may be linked to the presence of alcohol in airport bars.
He commented:
“There has been a large increase in people that are drunk at airports and getting on planes. That is definitely linked to incidents of violence and sexual assault.”
“There have been discussions on whether bars should shut. It is difficult thing to do because they are part of the commercial business of an airport.”
“An airport is the only place where you can find people having quite a lot of drink in the morning. It also has to be recognised that while there are now more incidents at airports there are also more flights.”
AGS Airports, which manages Glasgow and Aberdeen, mentioned that most of the weapons surrendered by passengers consist of tools, fishing knives, or shotgun cartridge souvenirs that were innocently left in carry-on luggage.
Dr Wood added: “You may be seeing a greater rise in weapons being found because the technology is better than it ever has been and people know they can’t take certain items on board flights.”
“I find it odd however that you are finding bullets and cartridges. They are clearly unlawful though I don’t think it is linked to terrorism.”
“Perhaps it has always gone on and it is just that the technology is better able to pick it up. There are also more warning signs to passengers on what they can and can’t carry on board.”
Chief Inspector Cheryl Blanch of Police Scotland commented: “Incidents of disorder and criminality at airports are fortunately relatively rare in the context of the number of people who use them.
“We continue to engage with our partners across the country to ensure our airports remain safe and orderly places to work and travel through.
“We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone using airports that disorder and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.”
A spokesman for the airports said: “Whilst any incident is one too many, it is important these figures are placed in context.
“In 2022, 8.5 million passengers travelled through Aberdeen and Glasgow Airports, and this figure rose to 10.3 million in 2024.”
“This means the 2,213 incidents recorded in 2024 equates to just 0.02% of the total number of passengers during this time.
“This exceptionally small number is testament to the rigorous and proactive approach of our partners at Police Scotland who we work closely with to ensure the millions of people who fly to and from our airports continue to have a safe and seamless journey.”
