Crystal Travel | Travel News | 16 April 2026
A major £350 million investment promises a better journey for travellers at two of the UK's important regional airports
For anyone who has ever rushed through a busy airport terminal, hunted for a seat at the gate, or navigated a crowded departure lounge with bags in tow, the news coming out of Glasgow and Southampton airports will be welcome. A major transformation is on the way — and travellers are set to feel the difference.
AGS Airports, the owner of Glasgow, Southampton, and Aberdeen airports, has announced the next significant step in its £350 million investment programme, known as AGS Reimagined. The group has appointed leading design firms WSP and architectural practice Pascall + Watson to shape what both airports will look and feel like for passengers in the years ahead.
For many people across Scotland and the south of England, Glasgow and Southampton airports are the starting point of every holiday, city break, or adventure abroad. They are where the excitement of travel begins — and where the stress of it can sometimes take hold too.
That is precisely what this investment aims to change. The design phase now underway will focus on improving the layout, flow, and overall passenger experience at both airports, with a clear goal of making travel feel easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable from the very first step inside the terminal.
Glasgow Airport is one of Scotland's primary gateways to the world, connecting passengers to destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and beyond. With millions of travellers passing through each year, the airport plays a central role in how Scotland connects with the rest of the world.
Under the AGS Reimagined programme, Glasgow's terminal is set to undergo a comprehensive redesign — the single biggest priority within the entire investment plan. The focus will be on improving how passengers move through the airport, reducing bottlenecks, and creating a terminal environment that feels modern and stress-free. For holidaymakers and frequent flyers alike, a smoother, more enjoyable airport experience could make all the difference to how a trip begins and ends.
For travellers in the south of England, Southampton Airport offers a convenient and accessible alternative to the busier London airports. The planned investment here is focused on renewing the airport's core infrastructure — covering areas such as the building structure, safety systems, and internal environment.
While these improvements may not always be immediately visible to passengers, they are the kind of changes that make an airport work better behind the scenes — resulting in fewer disruptions, more reliable operations, and a noticeably improved experience overall.
Beyond the buildings themselves, AGS Airports has made sustainability a central part of its vision. The wider programme includes a commitment to achieving net zero direct emissions by 2035 — an ambition that reflects the growing importance of responsible travel across the aviation industry.
For travellers who are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, knowing that the airports they use are investing in a greener future adds an extra layer of reassurance.
Whether you are jetting off for a summer holiday, planning a long-haul adventure, or simply heading home after time away, the airports you travel through matter more than we often give them credit for. A well-designed, comfortable, and efficient terminal can set the tone for an entire trip.
The transformation of Glasgow and Southampton airports is still in its early stages, but the direction is clear, and for travellers across the UK, that is an exciting prospect.
Verified by Our Travel Operations Expert