Inverness Airport is situated close to an existing railway line

Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (Hitrans) plans to spend a �3.5m on improving the region's transport network in the coming year.

Passengers cannot currently reach the airport by train.

However, the proposal must first secure planning permission and a timetable will have to be agreed with train operator First Scotrail.

Congestion problems

Hitrans is also considering adding another station to the Invernet commuter service, which links Inverness with outlying towns.

Hitrans chairman Charlie King said a study had shown that the new railway halt at the airport, and the provision of 100 extra car parking spaces, would bring significant economic benefits.

He said a better rail service would help address the congestion problems on the A96, while also making things easier for air passengers.

The new rail service for Beauly, north of Inverness, was offered as an example of how improved local rail services could work.

It has led to 75% of Beauly's commuters switching from road to rail.