Ryanair to close Glasgow base

The airline cited the pressures caused by the continued operation of Air Passenger Duty as one reason for pulling out of the ‘weaker Glasgow market’.

Chief commercial officer David O’Brien blamed the change on the cost of air passenger duty and said Glasgow “simply could not bear the burden”.

The airline, which also operates out of Prestwick, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, also announced that 11 new routes will operate from Edinburgh, taking the total number of routes operating from Edinburgh to 45.

Glasgow Airport said it was “bitterly disappointed” by Ryanair’s decision.

Liz Cameron, director & chief executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s announcement by Ryanair reflects the wider uncertain economic environment. Across Scotland’s international airports, new routes have been announced as well as a high volume of route closures. The priority must be to ensure the highly skilled individuals affected by today’s announcement are supported into appropriate and alternative employment.

“Now is the time for Scotland’s respective governments to work at speed to remove the barriers that exist in making use of Air Departure Tax and implementing the reduction that will unlock growth opportunities. Accelerating this important economic lever will add to Scotland’s attractiveness as a business destination which will protect existing routes and attract new ones in and out of Scotland.”