An artist's sketch of what a future terminal at Glasgow may look like

A blueprint drawn up by operators BAA Scotland predicted passenger numbers could soar from almost 8.7 million to 24 million by 2030.

It would mean the number of workers directly employed at the airport - which is Scotland's busiest - would rise from 5,000 to 12,000.

Officials have also said a second runway may be needed.

If passenger numbers grew faster than expected and a second runway was built, a new terminal might also have to be provided.

Economists at the Fraser of Allander Institute found in 2002 that Glasgow Airport employed more than 5,000 workers directly and supported 15,700 jobs across Scotland.

As we glimpse into the future we see an airport creating thousands of new jobs Stephen Baxter Glasgow Airport

A three-month consultation exercise is being launched, aimed at local people, politicians, business leaders and interest groups.

BAA Scotland believes that by 2030 more than half of passengers travelling through the airport will fly direct to and from international destinations.

A second international pier is already planned for the next 10 years to cope with the larger aircraft using Glasgow.

'Considerable' impact

About 125,000 landings and take-offs annually are forecast in the 25-year masterplan.

Airport managing director Stephen Baxter said: "As we glimpse into the future we see an airport serving Scotland's largest city, generating hundreds of millions of pounds for the Scottish economy every year and creating thousands of new jobs.

"Its impact on employment, travel, tourism and the economy will be considerable."

These plans represent a blueprint for continued economic growth for Glasgow Steven Purcell Glasgow City Council

The plan also suggests improvements to the M8 between junctions 26 and 29 to allow traffic access to the airport.

It was welcomed by the leader of Glasgow City Council Steven Purcell.

"These plans represent a blueprint for continued economic growth for Glasgow and, indeed, the rest of Scotland," he said.

"More passengers will inevitably mean more jobs and will see added benefits in increased tourism and trade."

Cllr Purcell added: "These proposals prove that Glasgow Airport has huge ambitions and this blueprint provides a concrete foundation on which to build on.

"We will be working closely with the airport authorities to ensure that the expansion plans bring the dividends Glasgow, as an international gateway, so rightly deserves."