Glasgow Prestwick Airport has outlined ambitious master plans for expansion over the next 25 years.
The airport’s owners envisage the number of passengers it is capable of handling more than doubling to 5.7 million by 2018, before rising as high as 12 million by 2033.
That would turn the Scottish gateway into one of the UK’s largest airports, with freight volumes also expected to rise sharply over the same period.
But airport chief executive Mark Rodwell acknowledged that achieving those targets will only be possible with heavy investment, particularly in transport links and taxiway facilities.
Highlighting the benefits of expansion, Mr Rodwell said: “Our growth will provide more travel opportunities, deliver more visitors and create more business opportunities and jobs. “The need for future infrastructure development is also a factor in choosing the high growth scenario as we do not wish to be constrained in future by forecasts we make today,” he added.
Earlier this week, Ryanair opened up two new links to Tenerife and Malaga from its base at Glasgow Prestwick. Aer Arann also added a new service to Cork.
