Glasgow Airport has revealed a multi-million pound expansion

Bosses at the BAA Scotland-operated Glasgow Airport will spend �290m transforming the site.

The development, which includes a �25m terminal expansion, is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs.

The plan will focus on the terminal and airfield facilities needed by 2030, when passenger volume is forecast to treble to more than 24 million.

The airport currently handles about 8.8 million passengers a year, who fly to 90 destinations around the world.

We have spent the past year talking and listening to the city and the local community Alan Barr Glasgow Airport's managing director

Airport managing director Alan Barr said the plan would boost Scottish business and tourism and revolutionise the way people travel to and from Glasgow.

"We have spent the past year talking and listening to the city and the local community," he said.

"Having done so, we are now seting out our vision for the future of Scotland's busiest airport and the investment that will enable its continued success in an increasingly competitive global market.

"It is a responsible plan for growth that means better facilities for our passengers, more jobs for local people, a bigger choice of international destinations for business and leisure travellers, and action to tackle the environmental impacts of aviation."

Philip Riddle, VisitScotland's chief executive, welcomed the plans.

'Encouraging growth'

He said: "Scotland has seen an encouraging growth in international visitors over the last five years but we need to remain competitive to ensure that growth continues.

"VisitScotland has made a significant investment in marketing new routes coming into Glasgow.

"BAA's additional �290m investment plan will play a vital role in that ongoing growth and continue to promote Glasgow and Scotland to the world through its position as Scotland's busiest international airport."

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive Lesley Sawers said: "This major investment shows the confidence that the BAA has in Scotland, and it is essential for the continuing growth of Glasgow's economy.

"We had good news last week when BAA and the SPT came together on the airport rail link question, and today's announcement makes it all the more vital that the rail link is delivered."

In July, Edinburgh Airport unveiled its own �300m expansion plans over a similar timescale.