Information and Travel Guide for Glasgow International Airport
Glasgow International Airport (GLA)

Officially opened on June 27, 1966, Glasgow Airport is the city's gateway to the rest of the UK and the world. Connecting almost 7 million passengers annually, the airport accommodates flyers travelling on almost 30 different airlines headed to 90 destinations in the UK and worldwide. Glasgow Airport has received numerous recognitions and awards in the past years, including the 2004 Gold Award by Scotland's Health at Work and the 2006 Best UK Airport award by Thomas Cook Airlines.

History

While Glasgow Airport's first commercial flight took place in May 1966, it was not until a month later, on June 27, 1966, that the airport was officially opened by Her Majesty, The Queen. Further expansions gave Glasgow Airport the improvements it needed, such as the international section of the terminal building in 1976 and the International Pier in 1994.

Services and Amenities

One of the best airports in the UK, Glasgow Airport has a selection of bars, restaurants and retail shops. Get your comfort food fix at Beardmore Bar and Restaurant, Frankie & Benny's or Deli Kitchen Cafe. Perk yourself up with a good cup of espresso from Starbucks or EAT. For last-minute shopping or a more indulgent buying spree, choose from a long list of retail stores, from Boots to World Duty Free.

Parking and Transportation

Glasgow Airport provides secure car parks and offers convenient parking options at the most reasonable rates. Travellers may choose among Long Stay, Short Stay, and Fast Track Parking. The airport is easily accessible from anywhere within Glasgow, as travellers may get to and from Glasgow Airport by bus and coach, airport taxis or via train. The airport has also partnered with the finest car hire companies in the region to provide car hire services to passengers and travellers. Avis, Europcar, National, Alamo and Hertz all offer competitive rates and discounts.

Airport Security Tips

The following airport security tips may prove helpful when traveling through Glasgow Airport:
* Know hand baggage restrictions in advance to get through security quicker.
* Follow the 100ml rule when carrying liquids through airport security.
* Subject laptops and other electronic devices to a separate x-ray screening process.
* Travellers to the U.S. are advised to submit themselves and their baggage items to additional security checks.

Airlines and Destinations

Glasgow Airport works with almost 30 of the most reputable airline companies, transporting passengers from Glasgow to the rest of the UK and the world. A few of these airline companies are easyJet, Thomson Airways, Flybe and Thomas Cook. With an impressive passenger statistics of 7 million per year, the airport transports up to 20,000 passengers daily, on average. Top destinations include Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Dubai and Amsterdam. The most popular long haul destination is Dubai.

Surrounding Area

The area around Glasgow Airport is an excellent location for getting the best accommodations in the city. You have a choice among Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport, Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport, Ashtree House Hotel, Campanile Glasgow Airport, and Glasgow Pond Hotel. Nearby cities such as Bishopton, Paisley and Bearsden also offer a selection of hotels. Many hotels near Glasgow Airport such as Premier Inn Glasgow Airport, Ashtree House Hotel and The B Suites provide safe and convenient airport shuttle service as well.

Travel Tips

When travelling to another country, passengers need to know beforehand which entry requirements are needed by their country of destination. International travels also require a valid passport, and for some countries, a visa. Renewing your passport as scheduled allows you to prepare for your trip ahead of time. Passengers travelling with pets need to check carriage regulations with their respective airlines and country of destination.

Glasgow Airport Contact Information


Address: Glasgow Airport, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland
Phone #: 0844 481 5555 or 0844 571 7410
Fax: (0)141 848 4769
Website: http://www.glasgowairport.com/
Email: http://www.glasgowairport.com/help/contact-us/feedback 
Number of Terminals: 2
Time Zone: GMT (GMT + 1 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
Location: The airport is located 13km (8 miles) west of Glasgow
IATA airport code: GLA