When fog, wind, snow or a runway problem closes Edinburgh, flights may divert to airports such as Glasgow or Newcastle — and Glasgow flights may divert to Edinburgh. The airline usually arranges onward transport, often a coach. If you would rather leave straight away, a private car from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh Airport is £130 for up to four passengers.
Part of our Flight cancelled at Edinburgh or Glasgow Airport
Why do flights divert, and where to?
Diversions happen when the destination airport cannot accept the aircraft — low visibility, strong crosswinds, snow, a runway fault or an incident. The aircraft goes to a suitable airport nearby; which one depends on weather, fuel and the airline. Edinburgh flights have in the past diverted to Glasgow and Newcastle, and Prestwick or Aberdeen are also possible. Glasgow flights may divert to Edinburgh or Prestwick. Sometimes the aircraft refuels and flies on to the original airport once conditions improve, so listen to crew announcements before leaving the airport.
What are your options after a diversion?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airline coach | Usually free; arranged by the airline | Waiting for the coach to fill and depart; drops at the airport, not your door |
| Taxi rank | Fast if cars are waiting | Long queue when a whole plane arrives at once; metered long-distance fares can be high; may not take large luggage |
| Pre-booked private car | Fixed price per car; door-to-door; luggage space; Chinese/English driver | You pay up front and claim later if eligible; subject to driver availability |
Before you leave, tell the airline you are making your own way and ask whether it will reimburse the cost. Keep your receipt.
Tell us where you are — fixed price for the whole car, confirmed within minutes.
Message us on WhatsApp / WeChat →How far is it back to Edinburgh?
Approximate drive from each diversion airport:
| Landed at | To Edinburgh Airport / city (approx.) | Our price |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow Airport | about 45 miles, about 1 hour | £130 to Edinburgh Airport |
| Glasgow Prestwick | about 80 miles, about 1½ hours | Fixed quote on WhatsApp |
| Aberdeen | about 125 miles, about 2½ hours | Fixed quote on WhatsApp |
| Newcastle | about 115 miles, about 2½ hours | from £400 |
| Manchester | about 220 miles, about 4 hours | from £500 |
All figures approximate. Night (23:00–06:00) +£15.
We can take you to Edinburgh Airport to collect your car, directly to your hotel or home, or anywhere in Scotland — the same routes work in reverse for Glasgow-bound passengers diverted to Edinburgh.
What about your rights and receipts?
Rules on diversions vary, and the UK CAA publishes guidance on delays and cancellations. In practice: keep your boarding pass, take a photo of any airline notice, keep every receipt, and send a written claim to the airline if you paid for your own transport. Our receipt/invoice shows the date, route and price. We cannot promise reimbursement.
How do you book a car after a diversion?
Message WhatsApp +44 7598 576685 or WeChat ID megaspace218 with the airport you landed at, number of passengers and large bags, and where you need to go. We take late-night and short-notice requests whenever a driver is available — we cannot guarantee 24/7 cover, so message first and we confirm within minutes. Longer-distance quotes usually come back within 15 minutes.
See also our flight-cancellation guide and Edinburgh–Glasgow Airport emergency transfer.
Tell us where you are — fixed price for the whole car, confirmed within minutes.
Message us on WhatsApp / WeChat →Frequently asked
My Edinburgh flight landed in Glasgow. How do I get to Edinburgh?
Wait for the airline's announcement — it often provides a coach. If you prefer to leave now, a private car from Glasgow Airport to Edinburgh Airport is £130 for up to four people.
Will the airline pay for my taxi after a diversion?
It depends on the airline and situation. Tell the airline before you leave, ask in writing and keep your receipt.
Can you collect us from Newcastle or Aberdeen?
Yes, when a driver is available. Message us on WhatsApp for a fixed quote, usually within 15 minutes.