Airport bosses have sparked controversy by creating a number of women only car parking spaces that have been dubbed 'massively sexist'.

The spaces have pink borders and a high-heeled shoe icons painted on the concrete surface in the same colour to show they are intended only for female drivers at Moscow Airport in Russia.

Controversially, the spaces are also larger than normal, supposedly to help women to get in and out, as well as extra space for loading and unloading.

The parking spaces at Moscow Airport in the Russian capital where the women only spaces are identified by a giant pink high heel and pink borders painted onto the concrete

Bosses argue that women are usually the ones transporting children through the airport so they in turn need extra space when parking.

They stressed it was not because they lack spatial awareness when in backing in or out of spaces.

But the move has sparked criticism from sceptics who claim it was a 'massively sexist and outdated' proposal.

Irina Izotova, organiser of the FemFest in the Russian capital, said: 'Highlighting this parking area might create a feeling of a so-called reservation for female drivers', but added that in 'this day and age' men are also responsible for the care of their own children.

Airport bosses say they will take all views on board in deciding whether to keep the pink spaces.