Scottish agents back plans for US pre-clearance at more UK airports
Scottish agents have added their support to a campaign to allow US pre-clearance at more UK airports.
The SPAA is backing a possible move outlined by the UK Department for Transport’s recent Aviation Policy Framework Statement.
In it, the DfT says it will consider working with US authorities to extend the current entry pre-clearance facilities enjoyed by Irish airports to others in the UK.
Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports are also in support of the move.
A spokesperson for Edinburgh airport, which deals with 155,000 passengers flying to New York and Florida every year, said: “Anything that would make it easier for our passengers to travel would be something we would support and explore in greater detail.”
Glasgow Airport said it examined the possibility of replicating the Irish ‘pre-clearance’ model back in 2009, but feedback from the US authorities at that time suggested that it would be too costly.
"If, as part of a new aviation policy framework, the UK and US authorities could examine ways to meet these costs, we believe the case for the model to be introduced at Glasgow Airport would be compelling.”
The SPAA’s air convener Alan Glen said: “There is no down-side to this initiative. It would be great for Scottish travellers to the US – smoothing the arrival process; and positive for the airlines and airports – strengthening the current direct services and possibly generating new routes, too.
"The SPAA will be working hard with Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport management – and hopefully the Scottish Government, which also supports this initiative – to ensure that the DfT keeps GLA and EDI firmly in the frame when considering which airports to recommend to the US authorities, and that we are successful on behalf of Scottish leisure and business travellers.”
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11