Budget airline Ryanair has said that it is to begin flights from Glasgow in October. The airline will open seven routes from the airport, as well as continuing its operations at Prestwick and opening a new Stansted service from Edinburgh.

A Scottish government spokesman said: "We welcome Ryanair's further investment into Scotland, which will strengthen our connectivity and help all of our airports flourish, and we congratulate both Edinburgh and Glasgow on securing new routes.

"Whilst the number of routes from Glasgow Prestwick Airport is fewer than offered last winter, Ryanair has assured us of its continuing commitment to the airport and of its intention to actively consider growth options in the future.

"These service changes are part of the normal revision process that airlines undertake to optimise their business. Ryanair has previously advised that changes to their schedule are due to a combination of factors, including a reduction in their aircraft fleet numbers.

"With the introduction of new aircraft in 2015, there is an opportunity for the team at the airport to make a strong business case for their use on Prestwick routes. We look forward to working with Ryanair, and other airlines, to improve the destinations on offer from Prestwick in the future."