Budget carrier Ryanair is expected announced plans to start flying from Glasgow airport which could put the future of government-owned Prestwick into doubt.
The Irish airline is currently the only passenger airline using Prestwick which was saved from closure after being bought by the Scottish government for £1 last year.
Ryanair is holding simultaneous news conferences in Edinburgh and Glasgow today with the expectation being that it will unveil Glasgow services.
Last month Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s deputy first minister, announced £10 million would be invested in Prestwick, which relies on passenger traffic for its income.
This would take the total amount ploughed into the airport to £15 million in loans, but prompted competing airports to complain about a rival being publically subsidised and anger from council leaders.
Prestwick needs the extra funding to clear a maintenance backlog and refurbish the terminal, including the duty free shop.
A Scottish government spokesman said: “We are aware of an announcement from Ryanair tomorrow. The airline is important to Scotland’s airports and we look forward to working with them in the future.
“With regards to Glasgow Prestwick airport, as the deputy first minister outlined in her ICI Committee appearance last month, there is no ‘quick fix’ solution for the airport – it will require a sustained effort over a number of years.
“We are confident there is a place for Glasgow Prestwick airport in the evolving and increasingly competitive Scottish aviation market, as an airport serving Ayrshire and other parts of the west of Scotland, and are committed to making it the success we know it can be.”