More than six miles of track will link Glasgow Airport to Central Station

However, they warned that the scheme was seriously hampered by a lack of direct connections to other places.

The private bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament by Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT).

A Holyrood committee has studied the scheme and recommended it should go to the full parliament for further consideration.

The rail link involves upgrading five-and-a-half miles of track and laying one mile of track between Paisley St James Station and Glasgow Airport.

Based on 2004 prices, SPT estimates building the new link would cost �160m.

We urge Transport Minister Tavish Scott to consider the benefits of a cross-rail scheme Margaret Jamieson Committee convener

The new track could be up and running by 2009 if approved.

MSPs are concerned that most people would still be cut off from direct links.

For example, anyone who arrives in Glasgow at Queen Street would have to change stations to head for the airport.

They are also concerned about the cost of the scheme and that it might only cut traffic on the M8 motorway by 2%.

Their report states: "A Glasgow cross-rail scheme could enable passengers from wider areas of Scotland to enjoy direct connections to Glasgow Airport, without having to change at Glasgow Central station."

Margaret Jamieson, convener of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link Bill Committee, said it would boost the local economy.

"We urge Transport Minister Tavish Scott to consider the benefits of a cross-rail scheme which could offer direct connections between Glasgow Queen Street and the airport," she said.

'White elephant'

"This will increase direct connections from other stations, therefore increasing passenger numbers."

Further discussions with the emergency services and park-and-ride operators close to the airport were needed, the MSP added.

Independent MSP Brian Monteith, a committee member, said the scheme was "an expensive white elephant" and should be blocked altogether.

The Department for Transport estimates passenger numbers at Glasgow Airport will almost double, from 8.2 million a year in 2003 to more than 15 million a year in 2030.

Officials estimate a doubling of passenger numbers

BAA Scotland's latest forecasts indicate passenger numbers could rise as high as 24 million by 2030.

At present, 95% of passengers travelling to Glasgow Airport do so by road.

SPT claimed the link would also benefit the tourist industry.

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Dr Lesley Sawers said: "The case for a Glasgow Airport rail link is overwhelming.

"It will enhance the attractiveness of the west of Scotland area to inward investors and significantly reduce travel times into Glasgow."