Glasgow Airport wins Economic Impact Award at Inspiring City Awards 2026

Glasgow Airport has been recognised for its contribution to the city’s growth and prosperity after winning the Economic Impact Award at the Inspiring City Awards 2026.

The awards ceremony, held at the Marriott Hotel last night (Thursday, 17^th September), celebrates businesses and initiatives that have made a significant contribution to Glasgow’s economic development through innovation, investment, job creation and long-term impact.

The recognition follows a transformational period for Glasgow Airport, which has strengthened the city’s global connectivity, attracted major investment and supported employment opportunities across the region. Over the past year, the airport has secured 16 new routes, welcomed four new airline partners and restored direct connections to key North American markets, including New York and Toronto.

The airport has also played an important role in supporting wider economic development initiatives across the city, helping strengthen Glasgow’s position as a destination for business, tourism and investment while contributing to long-term growth opportunities for the region.

Gavin Newlands, Executive Director – Corporate Affairs at AGS Airports said:  “We are incredibly proud to receive the Economic Impact Award at the Inspiring City Awards. Glasgow Airport exists to connect people, businesses and communities, and this recognition reflects the collective efforts of our teams, airline partners and stakeholders who work together to help drive economic growth across the city and wider region.

“As Scotland’s premier international gateway, we recognise the vital role connectivity plays in supporting trade, tourism, inward investment and employment. Over the past year we have achieved significant growth, secured new international connections and helped unlock major investment that will benefit Glasgow and wider region for many years to come.”

The Inspiring City Awards celebrate the people and organisations helping to shape Glasgow’s future through innovation, leadership and community impact. The Economic Impact Award recognises organisations that demonstrate measurable contributions to the city’s economic growth and development.

Glasgow Airport’s success reflects a year of significant progress that has seen the airport secure almost one million additional airline seats and supporting new employment opportunities across aviation, tourism, hospitality and related sectors. The airport is also at the centre of a £350 million transformation programme designed to enhance infrastructure, improve connectivity and support future growth.

The Inspiring City Awards are delivered by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and The Herald and recognise outstanding achievements across business, culture, community impact, heritage, sport, youth empowerment and the environment.