GLASGOW Airport can get set for take-off and become the busiest airport in Scotland again with the news it is not for sale.

That was the verdict from business leaders and politicians after the news that the airport will not be sold after its owner, BAA, decided to sell Edinburgh instead.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Times, the owner announced it would sell the capital's airport to satisfy a ruling from the Competition Commission that one of the two must go, along with London Gatwick – which has already been sold – and Stansted.

City airport bosses were relieved and said it removed the uncertainty that has hung over the hub since the Commission ruling.

Glasgow Airport is now looking to increased flights and more routes being delivered as Ferrovial, which owns BAA, focuses future investment on the airport.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport, said it marked the end of a period of uncertainty.

She said: "Now a final decision has been reached we can concentrate our efforts on ensuring Glasgow Airport, as part of BAA, continues to deliver for its passengers, the city and Scotland as a whole."

In the last decade Edinburgh has overtaken Glasgow to be the country's busiest airport, but this year Glasgow has begun to reverse the decline in numbers, with sustained growth month after month.

After five years of decline numbers are going up and this week's school holiday has been the busiest week in the airport's history, with almost 250,000 passengers.

The airport is vital in attracting conferences to the city, a market worth millions of pounds to the economy.

Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, is responsible for delivering events and bringing international visitors to the city.

He said: "Some people said they thought Glasgow Airport would be sold, because Edinburgh is busier, but Glasgow has the best opportunity for growth.

"Airlines can now view Glasgow as a potential destination with the certainty of knowing it is not about to be sold. That is very important in the airline market.

"Because there is no uncertainty about the ownership the airport can continue to focus on growth and work to increase new direct routes to and from the city.

"I am delighted BAA Glasgow and Heathrow remain in the same company. Heathrow is so important for connections to the rest of the world."

Business leaders were also hopeful more destinations could be added to the departure boards.

Stuart Patrick, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said: "We are pleased by this decision, especially for the current Glasgow Airport management team, with whom we enjoy an excellent relationship.

"The clarity of the deci- sion gives Glasgow Airport stability for the years ahead following three years of uncertainty during which the issue was hanging over the heads of management and staff.

"The airport can begin to focus solely on investment and growth, attracting routes and investing in its assets, all with a view to increasing the access Glasgow business has to its international markets and in helping to attract visitors to Scotland.

"That's what Glasgow Airport and Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce are committed to and we will continue to support the management team in its efforts."

Politicians were also pleased with the decision and hopeful it will boost not only Glasgow but Scotland's economy.

Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The long term forecasts were already very strong and retaining Glasgow will now see the airport pressing ahead with its development plan for the future.

"Glasgow Airport is a key part of the city's economy and all west Scotland.

"Just this week we learned Glasgow is the busiest city in Scotland for hotel occupancy.

"Now the future of the airport has been settled, I am certain it will attract more inward investment and sustainable jobs for the local economy over the next decade."

Derek Mackay, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, which includes Glasgow Airport, was also delighted.

He said: "Glasgow and the airport is a dynamo for west Scotland and the plans were ambitious, but with the uncertainty removed the future is looking good.

"It could have taken up to a year to sell the airport and that would affect plans for growth and create uncertainty about the future and jobs.

"So this is good news for the airport."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk