United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Prestwick Airport sale collapses due to pandemic
The future of Prestwick Airport is up in the air again after the preferred private sector bidder pulled out of talks.
The unnamed preferred bidder has blamed the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the aviation industry.
Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said the bidder now ‘does not wish to complete the purchase.’
"The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the aviation sector globally and, unfortunately, it has now affected the planned sale process of Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Scottish ministers will reflect upon future options for the business," he said.
The company’s identity has never been publically disclosed, although The Scotsman reported it was AGS Airports, which is the owner of Glasgow and Aberdeen airports.
The loss-making airport was taken into public ownership in 2013 for the nominal fee of £1 to save it from closing down.
The Scottish government announced last year its intention to sell the airport.
"We will now consider future options for Glasgow Prestwick Airport in light of this development, as well as the on-going challenges for the industry, but remain confident it has a role to play in Scotland’s aviation sector," Matheson said.
Scottish Conservative Transport Spokesman Graham Simpson said the collapse of the sale is not surprising, given the current situation.
"Scotland’s airports are in crisis as a result of the pandemic. The SNP government urgently needs to come up with a rescue plan for the entire aviation sector," Simpson said.
"They should start by allowing testing at airports in order to move towards a reduced quarantine period for passengers."
Matheson said the airport had increased revenue and reduced operating costs before the pandemic, although since coming into public ownership it has racked up debt owed to the Scottish government of more than £38 million.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel