 The aim is to link Aberdeen with international locations |
Runway extension plans at Aberdeen Airport have been outlined in an effort to improve facilities and create jobs. Managers said the blueprint would turn the north east airport into a "world-class hub".
Proposals worth �50m have been geared to attracting more international flights and boosting passenger numbers.
The plans received a positive response from a number of politicians but Friends of the Earth Scotland described them as "environmental madness".
Passenger numbers have been predicted to almost double over the next 25 years under the biggest growth since the terminal at Dyce opened in the 1970s.
The plans include a scheme to spend �10m lengthening the main runway by almost 1,000ft northwards to attract larger and more modern long-haul planes.
 |  The proposals reflect our ambitions for Aberdeen Airport as we strive to build a world-class gateway  |
They would allow Aberdeen to accommodate the new generation of quieter and cleaner aircraft reducing, airport officials insisted, the impact of growth on the local environment.
Managing director of BAA Scotland Donal Dowds said that a four-month consultation exercise would be launched.
"The proposals reflect our ambitions for Aberdeen Airport as we strive to build a world-class gateway for the north of Scotland," he said.
24-hour airport
"These are exciting times for the airport."
Mr Dowds added: "A �10m project to extend the main runway is a clear reflection of our confidence in, and commitment to, the economic potential of Aberdeen city and shire."
Politicians from the main parties cheered the development plans.
David Davidson, Conservative transport spokesman and MSP for north east Scotland, said: "This is excellent news for Aberdeen and the whole of the north east.
"These developments will open up a range of cheaper, direct flights to a host of new international destinations which will benefit local businesses and holidaymakers alike.
"It will also act as a catalyst for bringing visitors into the region, thereby boosting local tourism."
Brian Adam, Scottish National Party MSP for Aberdeen North, also welcomed the plans but added: "I hope that Aberdeen Airport will do everything possible to be a good neighbour."
FoE Scotland chief executive Duncan McLaren said air travel was now acknowledged as the most polluting form of transport.
He said: "This announcement, coming on the very day governments sit down in Montreal in order to try and solve the problem of climate change, is not something that can be welcomed.
Environmental concerns
"It can only be described as environmental madness. We desperately need to see action to curb the unsustainable growth in climate pollution from air travel.
"Talk of doubling capacity at airports like Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh is premature and will seriously undermine action to tackle global warming."
A number of airlines have already expressed an interest in developing new flight destinations.
It followed the decision by Aberdeen City Council to ease restrictions which had been a barrier to round-the-clock operations at the airport.
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