Managers at Prestwick Airport said the role they played last week in hosting 3700 extra passengers proves they can handle increased demands.

The airport welcomed 27 diverted flights, some from as far afield as Dubai, after the heavy snow caused closures.

Located in South Ayrshire's milder West Coast climate, the airport boasts a 3000m runway and is able to accept some of the world's largest aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and 747.

The airport has been supported by local hotels and transport providers, helping stranded travellers with overnight rooms and connections to their final destination.

Operations director, Jules Matteoni, said: "We are one of the few airports in the UK to have remained open during this exceptional period of adverse weather.

"Our location means that we have an excellent weather record and we play an important role whenever other airports are closed.

"We also have extensive infrastructure to accommodate diverted aircraft and their passengers as well as a robust strategy for remaining operational.

"It's been an extremely busy couple of days but the whole team has worked hard to handle additional passengers and the challenges which a high number of diversions can present.

"Glasgow Prestwick Airport is undoubtedly an important asset in Scotland's transport network, fully equipped to deal with airlines of any size even during periods of severe weather."