Extra staff are being laid on to help holidaymakers laden with suitcases and bags to find check-in desks while treasure hunts have been organised to keep children occupied until their flights take off.

Airport chiefs estimate 220,000 passengers will fly out of Glasgow this weekend and the next.

It is one of their busiest periods of the year and today the exodus got under way when more than 27,500 sun seekers – mostly parents with their children – took off for warmer climates.

More than 50,000 will jet out over the weekend with more than 130,000 leaving throughout next week.

Airport chiefs recognise that flying out can be stressed especially for adults with children and as a result a range of activities is being staged to keep the young ones occupied.

Glasgow Science Centre has been recruited to put on interactive science workshops, there will be treasure hunts and face painters as well as a dance group.

Managing director Amanda McMillan said: "We are looking forward to yet another busy summer period and this weekend is set to be our busiest of the year so far.

"The addition of a host of new services, including Emirates' second daily flight to Dubai, coupled with the decision by a number of airlines to add extra capacity means we are expecting more passengers compared to the same period last year.

"For those who haven't travelled through the airport recently, they will notice a number of changes.

"As part of our ongoing investment programme we have transformed our main departures lounge which now includes new shops and bars that offer spectacular views of the airfield."

Return flights will see around 440,000 passing through the airport next month while Prestwick was today gearing up for it's busiest weekend when 10,000 fly out from the Ayrshire hub tomorrow and Sunday.

Prestwick bosses say around 250,000 people will pass through their terminal over the next two months.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk