International passengers increased by almost a fifth to help Edinburgh Airport to its busiest ever November with a total of 936,193 passengers used the airport in November, up 8.7% on the same month last year.
Glasgow Airport also reported its busiest-ever November after more than 682,800 passengers travelled through the airport’s doors last month, representing a 2.5% increase on the same period last year.
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Almost 250,000 people travelled through Aberdeen International Airport during November 2017, representing an increase of 4.9% compared to the same period last year.
Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport Gordon Dewar said:
“This is yet another record month for the airport and the fact the growth is being mainly driven by international is testament to the fantastic global links that we have.
“By offering greater choice to our passengers, we are making it easier to welcome Scotland to the world and to allow people to go and experience destinations across the globe.
“We’re already looking ahead to 2018 with more destinations coming into operation, such as Washington DC, Antalya, Dalaman and Kos. And we’ll continue to provide greater options to maintain and strengthen our position as Scotland’s busiest airport.”
Amanda McMillan, managing director at Glasgow Airport, said: “2017 has been a fantastic year in terms of passenger growth.
“Our November figures not only guarantee we approach the end of the year on a high, they also help ensure we are in a strong position as we prepare to enter 2018.
“Our efforts in securing 30 new routes and services have been instrumental in making 2017 the most successful year in the airport’s history. As well as consolidating our position as Scotland’s leading long-haul airport, we have also significantly added to our now burgeoning European network.
“The recent introduction of the Madrid, Krakow, Frankfurt and Munich routes also helped boost inbound tourism in November with a large number of visitors arriving in Glasgow for a city break.
“Looking ahead, December’s passenger numbers are already off to a great start with a number of early festive flights to Lapland ensuring we are well our way to a fantastic Christmas gift of 12 record months in 2017.”
Carol Benzie, managing director of Aberdeen International Airport, said: “We have reported an increase in both domestic and international traffic for seven consecutive months which is extremely encouraging.
“In addition to the new Ryanair services, our international traffic was boosted by Air France’s decision to reintroduce a third daily service to Paris. Whilst we are continuing to operate in what remains a challenging market as highlighted by the helicopter traffic, the return of the third daily service is a clear sign of confidence starting to return.
“Our success in attracting a number of new routes over the course of the year coupled with our ongoing terminal redevelopment works which have had a transformational effect on the airport, has put us in a strong position as we prepare to enter 2018.”
