Prestwick Airport to be bought by Scottish government
The Scottish government has confirmed that it plans to take Glasgow Prestwick Airport into public ownership to avoid the risk of it closing with the loss of 1,400 jobs.
The airport, which was put up for sale last March by New Zealand-based owners Infratil, has been making an annual loss of £2 million.
Ryanair, which flies to 27 destinations from the airport, has welcomed the news.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament there had been some interest in the airport from private investors but none was able to commit to buying Prestwick on a timescale that was acceptable to Infratil.
She said: "We believe Prestwick Airport can have a positive future. It will require investment and it will take time. However, we believe it can be returned to profitability.
"We also estimate that the cost of closure to the public purse would be very significant and this is an important factor in our decision."
She said the government intended to complete due diligence and negotiations with Infratil on the terms of the sale over a six-week period. In the meantime, the owners have agreed to ensure the airport is kept fully operational.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026