Glasgow Airport could be in line to secure Scotland’s first ever direct flights to India.

This comes as the UK and Indian governments ease flight restrictions to boost trade and tourism between the countries.

As part of the agreement to scrap the limit on the number of flights which can be operated between the UK and India, the UK government wants Indian airlines to look beyond the slot-constrained London Heathrow and add flights to Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham.

At present Air India and Jet Airways operate to London Heathrow but are unable to add more flights because of slot constraints.

Air India also flies to Birmingham but despite both cities having large Indian populations, currently neither Glasgow nor Manchester offer direct flights to India.

The UK’s Aviation Minister, Lord Tariq Ahmad, has held discussion with Chief Executives of Air India, Jet Airways and Vistara on a recent visit to India.

While airlines focus largely on Heathrow, the UK government is making a pitch for connections to other airports, such as Glasgow, Manchester and also London Gatwick.

Lord Tariq Ahmad, said: “The Indian market is important for us. A major part of my visit was to look at how we can strengthen our relationship,”

“People focus on Heathrow, but there are many airports which offer both domestic and international connectivity.”