Airport crime reports across Scotland rise by 40% in two years

The number of suspected crimes reported to police at Scotland’s airports has increased by 40% in two years.

Figures obtained by the Daily Record under Freedom of Information (FoI) revealed 7,798 incidents were recorded in 2024, compared with 5,597 in 2022.

Officers attended 5,598 incidents last year – ranging from disturbances to border control issues – an increase of 25%.

Police Scotland described incidents of disorder and criminality at airports as “relatively rare”, while the country’s three busiest airports said the figures represented a very small percentage of passengers.

Footfall at airports has soared since the Covid travel restrictions were lifted in March 2022.

Technological advances have also made it easier for security staff to locate banned items – such as fishing knives or shotgun cartridges – which are then reported to police.

In 2024 a total of 4,287 incidents were reported at Edinburgh, 2,319 at Glasgow and 782 at Aberdeen.

The FoI response confirmed that police attended 3,167 of the incidents at Edinburgh, 1,526 at Glasgow and 687 at Aberdeen.

Similar figures were also provided for other Scottish airports last year, notably Glasgow Prestwick (198) and Inverness (92).

Ch Insp Cheryl Blanch said: “Incidents of disorder and criminality at airports are fortunately relatively rare in the context of the number of people who use them.

“We continue to engage with our partners across the country to ensure our airports remain safe and orderly places to work and travel through.

“We would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone using airports that disorder and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated.”

She added that police forces across the UK had built a “network of vigilance” under Project Servator to disrupt criminal activity.

Ch Insp Blanch also said uniformed officers were supported by a range of specialist resources, including dogs and plain-clothed officers.

An Edinburgh Airport spokesman said: “While the number of incidents is low relative to the nearly 16 million people who travel through the airport each year, even a single incident is one too many.

“That’s why we work closely with Police Scotland and our campus partners to ensure the airport remains a safe and secure environment for everyone.”

AGS Airports said it was important to place the figures in context, as 10.3 million passengers travelled through Aberdeen and Glasgow airports in 2024.

This compared with 8.5 million in 2022.

A spokesperson said: “This means the 2,213 incidents recorded in 2024 equates to just 0.02% of the total number of passengers during this time.

“This exceptionally small number is testament to the rigorous and proactive approach of our partners at Police Scotland who we work closely with to ensure the millions of people who fly to and from our airports continue to have a safe and seamless journey.”