Glasgow's Growing Air Connectivity Creates New Opportunities for International Conferences

Glasgow's international connectivity is stronger than ever, with Glasgow Airport delivering a major expansion of its route network.

The airport has introduced 16 new routes and services, added nine new destinations, welcomed five new airlines, increased capacity on 54% of existing routes, and provided one million additional seats compared with previous years. Together, these developments represent a significant boost to Glasgow's global accessibility and reinforce its position as one of the UK's leading destinations for international conferences and business events.

Key additions include United Airlines' direct daily service between Glasgow and New York/Newark, and the return of WestJet's direct Toronto service, operating four times weekly. Across Europe, new connections include easyJet services to Lisbon, Pisa and Malta, Ryanair routes to Warsaw and London Stansted, and a new Edelweiss service to Zurich.

For conference organisers, accessibility remains an important consideration when selecting a host destination. Alongside venue infrastructure, accommodation capacity and local expertise, the ease with which attendees can travel plays a vital role in an event's success. Glasgow's expanded route network provides greater choice, flexibility and convenience for attendees travelling from key domestic and international markets.

The latest additions and expanded services across Europe and North America are particularly significant for the business events sector. As conferences attract increasingly global audiences, strong air links help organisers maximise attendance and strengthen international participation by making travel easier and more convenient for delegates.

Enhanced connectivity further strengthens Glasgow's position as a destination for major conferences and events. Combined with the city's world-class conference facilities, extensive hotel accommodation, renowned hospitality, and strengths across academia, science, technology and industry, a growing route network further reinforces Glasgow's credentials as a natural host for international meetings and events.

At the SEC, we see the importance of international accessibility reflected in the success of recent events hosted on the Campus.  European Renal Association hosted their annual meeting in Glasgow in June 2026 and achieved a record number of 10,680 participants, while the American Geophysical Union had similar success with their Ocean Sciences Meeting held at the SEC in February also achieving record delegate numbers.   

As Glasgow Airport continues to expand its network, the benefits extend well beyond aviation. Increased connectivity supports international collaboration, drives economic impact and helps ensure Glasgow remains firmly positioned on the global stage as a destination for conferences and business events.