It is hoped the Glasgow Airport Access Project would be running by 2025, using both existing heavy rail lines and a specially built light track.

The scheme to build a tram-train link between Glasgow city centre, Paisley and Glasgow Airport would be funded from the £1.13bn Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal.

Construction could start in 2021 and it could be operational by 2025. The proposals will go for approval by the Glasgow City Region Cabinet in December.

Amanda McMillan, managing director of Glasgow Airport said: “We welcome all the positive steps that are being taken to progress this important project and will continue to work closely with colleagues at Renfrewshire Council, Glasgow City Council, Transport Scotland and Network Rail through to successful delivery and operation.

“Improving transport links to Glasgow Airport is a top priority for us, particularly at a time when we are enjoying sustained passenger growth.  Over the past 12 months alone we have welcomed an additional one million passengers through our doors, so it is important that improved transport links can be achieved as soon as possible.”

Previous proposals for a rail link between the city and airport were scrapped in 2009 amid public spending cuts.