Arrests at Edinburgh Airport have doubled over the past three years, driven in part by a surge in drunken passengers and holidaymakers, according to figures obtained from Police Scotland through a Freedom of Information request. There were 42 arrests in 2023, rising to 67 in 2024 and reaching 84 last year.
Anti-social offences, which can include drunk and disorderly behaviour, also doubled from 15 incidents in 2023 to 30 last year. The 'crimes against society' category, encompassing drugs and weapons offences, jumped from 10 cases in 2023 to 61 last year. Overall, the total number of offences recorded at the airport soared from 70 in 2023 to 164 last year.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) is calling for airports to be held to the same stringent regulations as other licensed premises. A spokesman said: 'There should be a real look at their opening hours. The same rules and regulations should apply. It is very rarely that you see people refused alcohol in airports.'
The SLTA is particularly concerned about early morning drinking, with bars opening as early as 6am. The spokesman added: 'People aren't prepared for early morning drinking. They don't seem to do it at any other time or place. So all of that put together can create problems.'
Last month, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary urged a ban on early-morning alcohol sales at airports, revealing his staff were forced to divert aircraft almost daily due to intoxicated passengers. Anna Bowles, Head of Consumer at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: 'Passengers who are rude or aggressive can be highly disruptive and distressing for cabin crew and fellow travellers. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and can pose a risk to passenger and aircraft safety.'
