The new multi-sport event will take place for the first time between August 2 and 12 with thousands of athletes, officials and visitors set to use the airport.

As part of the deal, the airport will work on arrivals, departures and transport links to Glasgow 2018 venues.

This will be done before and during the Championships.

Bonnie the Seal, the Glasgow 2018 mascot, visited the airport to welcome the announcement.

Passengers arriving for the event "will be greeted with the vibrant look and feel of the Championships as they land in Glasgow, inviting them to get involved in 11 days of sporting action and culture", it is claimed.

"Scotland is famed for its warm welcome across the world and with Glasgow Airport as an official sponsor, the thousands of athletes, officials and spectators set to land here later this year are guaranteed a memorable first impression - setting the tone for the exciting events ahead," said Fiona Hyslop, the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs.   

"Scotland is the perfect stage for the first-ever European Championships showcasing our cultural heritage, sporting excellence and expertise in staging events to an international audience."

The event will bring together the existing European Championships for aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, rowing and triathlon, and a new team golf competition.

Athletics will also be staged at the same time in Germany's capital Berlin.

It is hoped that staging the sports all at once will increase their exposure and stature.

Attendances of up to 250,000 have been predicted in Scotland, with the event the biggest sporting occasion in the country since Glasgow hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"We are thrilled to come on board as an official sponsor of the inaugural 2018 European Championships," said Francois Bourienne, Glasgow Airport's commercial director. 

"This will be the biggest sporting event the country has seen since the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which were a tremendous success and placed Glasgow firmly on the map as a gateway to Scotland.

"The 2014 Games also showcased to the world that Scotland can not only host major sporting events superbly well, but that it can do so with its own unique warmth and style. 

"The summer of 2014 was an unforgettable experience and there was a real buzz around the airport as the world descended on Glasgow.

"I'm in no doubt the 2018 European Championships will be equally successful and the team here at Glasgow Airport is looking forward to welcoming the thousands of athletes, officials and supporters who will pass through our doors this summer."