Aberdeen airport has officially opened its £10 million ($15.4 million) runway extension, eight months ahead of schedule.

The 124m (407ft) extension takes the runway to 1,953m.

North East of Scotland Transport Partnership (Nestrans) director Derick Murray said: "At a time when access to the UK's hub airport at Heathrow is coming under pressure it is essential that our local airport maximises the potential to have direct flights to as many destinations as are required."

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news