It has emerged that Limak Holding, which operates in construction, tourism, cement and international contracting, submitted the highest bid for Glasgow Prestwick Airport, located in Scotland, a constituent country of the United Kingdom. However, following an investigation carried out due to the airport’s strategic location and international security sensitivities, it was reported that the takeover attempt had been rejected.
Prestwick: Not an Ordinary Airport
Prestwick Airport, which has the longest runway north of Manchester, is known as one of the critical infrastructures in the region. Nationalised in 2013 by the then Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, the airport had also previously attracted the attention of the US administration due to its proximity to the Turnberry golf course owned by then President Donald Trump.
Sales Process Had Favoured Limak
The Scottish administration had promised that the sale of the airport would reduce its financial burden on taxpayers. According to sources, earlier this year, following discussions with the investor group led by former CEO Forsyth Black, the sale process had reportedly taken shape in favour of Limak.
A Limak spokesperson, in a statement to a UK-based newspaper, emphasised that the company had transferred some past shareholdings in Russia and currently has no operations in the country.
Limak’s Global Profile
Today, Limak Holding operates in 14 countries and has completed more than 200 projects valued at over 21 billion dollars, including airports, dams, hydroelectric power plants, oil and gas pipelines, and large-scale structures.
Prestwick’s Strategic Relationship with the United States
Prestwick Airport has long held strong military and logistical ties with the United States. The airport has served as a significant transit hub for American troops and as a refuelling centre for US jets en route to and returning from covert operations in the Middle East. It was noted that over the six-year period until 2024, the US Department of Defense’s fuel expenditure at the airport exceeded 100 million pounds.
Rejected After Security Review
According to The Sunday Times, following a security review initiated by Westminster officials regarding the sales process, Limak’s takeover plans were cancelled.
US–Russia Tension Played a Role
It was reported that the recent rise in geopolitical tensions between the US and Russia, particularly in the Black Sea region, influenced the decision due to Limak’s past investments and high-level engagements in Russia. Thus, despite submitting the highest bid, the company’s attempt to purchase the airport remained unsuccessful.
