Cargo growth helps Glasgow Prestwick record seventh consecutive year of profitability
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) has reported cargo volumes increased fourfold over the past year, reflecting growth in long-haul freight operations and continued investment in cargo infrastructure. The growth in cargo helped the airport to record its seventh consecutive year of profitability
image: Glasgow Prestwick Airport
Freight volumes exceeded 46,000t during the year, supported by the introduction and expansion of scheduled freighter services, including 15 weekly flights from mainland China and three weekly services from Hong Kong. The additional capacity has strengthened the airport's role in handling UK import and export freight.
The airport's dedicated Terminal E e-commerce facility has processed more than 33 million parcels since opening. Royal Mail and Evri have established operations at the site, enabling direct processing from aircraft to domestic delivery networks.
PIK has also expanded its temperature-controlled handling capability, with investments including dedicated personnel, temperature monitoring systems, enhanced screening processes and 87t of chilled storage capacity. The facilities have supported growth in Scotland's seafood exports, with 1.78m kg of Scottish salmon exported through the airport during the first six months of 2026.
The expansion of cargo operations has resulted in the creation of more than 250 direct jobs across handling, cargo processing, fuelling and air traffic control. The airport operates these services through an integrated in-house operational model.
During the year, the airport was named Air Freight Business of the Year at the Logistics UK Awards, recognising its contribution to UK air freight and Scottish exports.
Prestwick says it expects further growth in its cargo business as it seeks to expand scheduled freighter services, increase e-commerce volumes and continue investment in facilities for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, energy and other high-value freight.