A proposal to potentially rename Glasgow Airport has been raised during a meeting of Renfrewshire Council.
The issue was discussed at a full council meeting on Thursday, 24 September, as councillors considered a motion marking the airport’s 60th anniversary and recognising its contribution to employment, tourism and the local economy.
The original motion, put forward by Councillor Janis McDonald and seconded by Councillor Graeme Clark, did not propose changing the airport’s name.
However, Independent Councillor Andy Doig put forward an amendment calling for a public consultation on whether the airport should be renamed.
Cllr Doig said his personal preference would be “Gerry Rafferty International Airport”, in recognition of the Paisley-born singer-songwriter.
Council Leader Iain Nicolson said the suggestion was a “valid issue to explore further”, but argued that the council should first approach AGS Airports, the company that owns and operates Glasgow Airport, before considering a wider public consultation.
He also raised questions over how any consultation would be organised, who would be consulted and the potential costs involved.
Councillors also discussed concerns about the financial implications of changing the airport’s branding.
Some argued that the established “Glasgow Airport” name is important internationally, particularly when competing for passengers with major airports such as Edinburgh and Manchester.
Cllr McDonald subsequently supported the approach of speaking with the airport’s owners first, saying any potential name change would require a clear business case and careful consideration of the airport’s importance as a major local employer.
Cllr Doig withdrew his amendment for an immediate public consultation, agreeing that discussions with AGS Airports should take place first.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Renfrewshire Council has agreed to approach the airport’s owners to discuss the proposal, with the matter expected to return to the relevant council board for further consideration.
For now, the airport remains Glasgow Airport — but councillors have opened the door to a discussion about whether its name could change in the future.
💬 What do you think?
Should Glasgow Airport keep its current name, or would you support a new name reflecting its connection to Renfrewshire and Paisley?
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