TYCOON Sir Richard Branson is being urged to introduce UK flights on Virgin Atlantic between Glasgow and London.

The airline is already planning flights to Heathrow from Edinburgh and Aberdeen and the millionaire businessman is facing calls to include Scotland's biggest airport.

So far Virgin Atlantic has snubbed Glasgow.

Flight capacity in London opened up after British Airways bought over the stricken bmi airline and gave up 12 slots at Heathrow airport which Virgin hopes to secure.

Scots business leaders say Glasgow has lost out on crucial flight links to London since bmi folded.

Today Virgin announced plans for its first domestic service, flying between Heathrow and Manchester from next spring.

However, it was revealed today by Glasgow Airport that attempts are being made to persuade Virgin to also run flights between the city and London.

Discussions are known to be an early stage but an airport spokesman confirmed: "The slots Virgin will be bidding for have been ringfenced to serve Edinburgh and Aberdeen but, as an existing airline partner, we are in ongoing discussions with Virgin."

Business leaders would also welcome an improved domestic service at Glasgow. Bmi flew up to six planes a day between the city airport and London.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk