Glasgow Airport model constructed by father-and-son duo unveiled

The detailed structure, spanning two metres in length, features miniature replicas of the travel hub’s buildings and airfields as well as tiny model aircrafts.

It was unveiled within the West Pier on November 10 with passengers flying to and from the airport now able to view it on their journeys.

The model was constructed over the course of nine months by aviation enthusiasts Darren and Jude O’Donnell, who were invited to the unveiling ceremony as special guests before being taken on a personal tour of the airport to say thank you for their hard work.

The dad-and-son duo from Cambuslang spent countless hours perfecting the structure which involved plenty of painting and wiring around 40 battery operated lighting circuits.

Determined to perfect even the smallest details, certain elements were repainted up to three or four times before the pair settled.

Darren O’Donnell said: “My son told me that he wanted to start collecting model planes, so I suggested building a small model airport as it gave us something we could enjoy while spending quality father-and-son time together.

"My son was really the driving force behind it and was determined to see it completed.

"As we shared videos with family and friends, they could see how the model was progressing and we realised we might be doing a decent job, especially since we were complete novices.

"The wiring and positioning of the buildings posed significant challenges.

"There were plenty of frustrating evenings, but it made it even more satisfying when we finally got everything right."

Jude, age 10, said: "I'm feeling really happy. It just came from an idea that we had, and we never thought it would be here on display. I did all of this with my dad and now it's here in Glasgow Airport."

Glasgow Airport model (Image: Glasgow Airport)

The model was constructed over the course of nine months by aviation enthusiast Jude O’Donnell and his dad Darren (Image: Glasgow Airport)

The model airport remains on display within the West Pier with passengers encouraged to stop by to see it. 

A range of special events have been held throughout 2026 to honour the airport turning 60, including the unveiling of a commemorative anniversary logo. 

Gavin Birch-Williams, managing director of Glasgow Airport, commented: “We were so impressed with the Glasgow Airport model that we wanted to share it with our passengers and wider airport community.

"Projects like these show the strength of the positive impact Glasgow Airport has had on the communities it has served over the past six decades and continues to serve today.

"Our 60th anniversary celebrations looked back on our proud heritage and set out our ambitions for the future.

"We can't wait to make more memories in 2027 and beyond."