PRESTWICK airport should be used as a "diversionary location" for planes which develop mechanical problems, the MP representing the area has said.

Labour's Brian Donohoe said the Ayrshire terminal should be given an official role as a site for emergency landings and specially equipped through funding from major airports including Heathrow and Gatwick.

He spoke out after a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 made an unscheduled landing at Gatwick after developing problems with its landing gear.

The plane with 460 people on board circled dumping fuel for four hours before landing. The exercise closed Gatwick, the UK's second busiest airport, for three hours.

Central Ayrshire MP Mr Donohoe said Prestwick was equipped to handle difficult landings and was recognised informally as the UK's main diversionary terminal.

He added: "Over many years the airport has proved itself as a reliable port of call when emergencies arise or when the weather is causing chaos elsewhere.

"Prestwick should be formally designated as such and provided with facilities part paid for by major airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick.

"This would provide them with back-up contingency and allow them to maintain operational integrity."

Mr Donohoe said he had put the idea to the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government bought the struggling airport in 2013 amid fears it was facing closure. In October, a report on its future backed efforts to make Prestwick the UK's first spaceport.

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