Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has reported its seventh consecutive year of profitability, with strong growth in air cargo operations driving an 11% increase in operating profit to £3.9 million for the financial year ended 31 March 2026. The results have been confirmed through the airport’s official annual financial announcement.
The airport handled more than 46,000 tonnes of freight during the year, reflecting significant expansion in scheduled freighter services and reinforcing Prestwick’s position as a strategic UK air cargo gateway. The airport now supports 15 scheduled weekly freighter services to mainland China and three weekly services to Hong Kong, providing direct long-haul connectivity between the United Kingdom and key Asian trade markets.
Jules Matteoni, Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, attributed the airport’s continued financial performance to its long-term cargo development strategy.
“Freight volumes quadrupled over the last year, 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.”
A key driver of the airport’s growth has been its dedicated Terminal E e-commerce facility, which has processed more than 33 million parcels since operations commenced. Major parcel operators including Royal Mail and Evri have established facilities at Prestwick, supporting integrated airport-to-last-mile logistics operations and strengthening the airport’s role in the rapidly expanding e-commerce supply chain.
The airport has also invested significantly in temperature-controlled cargo infrastructure to support the growing perishables market. Enhanced cold chain capabilities now include dedicated handling personnel, continuous temperature monitoring, upgraded cargo screening systems and 87 tonnes of refrigerated storage capacity.
These investments have strengthened Prestwick’s position as a gateway for Scotland’s seafood exports. During the first six months of 2026, the airport handled the export of 1.78 million kilograms of Scottish salmon, supporting one of the country’s most valuable food export sectors.
Cargo expansion has also generated wider economic benefits. More than 250 direct jobs have been created across cargo handling, fuelling, air traffic control and ground operations, supported by Prestwick’s integrated in-house operating model that combines multiple airport services under a single operational structure.
The airport’s growing contribution to the UK’s logistics sector was recognised during the reporting period when it received the Air Freight Business of the Year award at the Logistics UK Awards.
Looking ahead, Glasgow Prestwick Airport expects cargo volumes to continue increasing as it expands scheduled freighter capacity, develops additional e-commerce handling capabilities and invests further in specialist infrastructure serving perishables, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, energy and other high-value cargo sectors.
With uncongested operations, direct Asian connectivity and continued investment in cargo infrastructure, Prestwick is strengthening its role as one of the UK’s fastest-growing air freight hubs.
