Locals have raised fears over the expansion plans

Aberdeenshire councillors will consider the controversial proposals for the airport's runway on Tuesday.

The management at the terminal said the 300-metre extension was essential to the area's long-term future.

Officials said the development was needed but local residents with homes near the airport at Dyce have raised concerns about noise and pollution.

The news comes as the tourism agency VisitScotland welcomed the introduction of a new air service between Aberdeen and Liverpool.

The first flights between the two cities takes off on Tuesday operated by Ryanair.

The launch will be accompanied by a marketing campaign promoting the north east as a holiday destination.

Visitscotland's area director for Aberdeen and Grampian, Ian Dunlop, said the new flight ties in well with a service Ryanair is also introducing to Liverpool from Inverness.

He said this will further open up Moray, Speyside and the Cairngorm national park to new visitors.