THE importance of Glasgow Airport must not be forgotten as the city debates its future transport strategy according to business leaders.

At the City Council’s transport summit as the focus was on road and rail transport and the city centre in general the Chamber of Commerce said access to the airport was crucial for the city’s success.

Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said it was vital for links to London, for direct flights abroad and for growing tourism.

He said: "The airport is crucial in supporting inward investment and tourism and the preference among our members is for more direct flights.”

He warned that relying on other airports for connections would have a negative impact on the city.

He added: “If Glasgow Airport was to fall too far behind Edinburgh how many business decisions will begin to favour the east of the country over the west.”

He said the Chamber backed rail access to the airport, with the current proposal being part of of the City Deal projects.

He added: “We are passionate advocates of the integration of the airport with the national rail network.

“We have always argued for travel options to the airport that don’t include the M8.”

He hoped that the creation of a rail link to the airport and better transport connections would also enable more investment and business activity around the airport, creating jobs.