Concerns and Considerations as Prestwick Airport sees rise in military traffic

Aviation Editor Doug Maclean

Prestwick Airport is becoming increasingly busy with military air traffic and it sometimes plays a role in facilitating flights to and from global conflict zones. While Prestwick has had a military role since World War 2 the increased use by many different militaries is a significant operational shift for the airport.

Picture credit Eddie Wallace

Questions are being raised about what this means for public safety and the local community.

There was a break in at RAF Brize Norton last week and damage caused to RAF air to air refuelling aircraft. Protestors scaled an apparently small security fence and sprayed paint on 2 Voyager aircraft. These are the very aircraft that will be operating from Prestwick in 2026 and 2027.

As military planes pass through Prestwick for refuelling, logistics, or transit, the airport and surrounding areas may well be under heightened security measures.

This increased military presence often leads to tighter screening, more visible security forces, and greater coordination with local emergency services. In many ways, this enhanced preparedness can improve Ayrshire’s readiness to deal with contingencies and emergencies, both in the air and on the ground.

However, this activity also brings concerns. Some politicians have expressed unease about the airport being seen as a potential strategic target, particularly as it becomes more closely associated with military operations in global trouble spots.

While the likelihood of any direct threat remains extremely low, the symbolism of the airport’s role is not lost on the public.

There are also practical issues at play. Increased military traffic may cause occasional disruption to civil aviation, with potential delays, congestion, or restricted access around the airport.

Pilots were warned last week that Jet fuel was limited at Prestwick airport. This was thought to be a result of a large influx of American air to air tankers and heavy transport aircraft like the KC-135 tankers and C17 Globemasters. Ironically 2 military flights diverted out of Prestwick to Glasgow and RAF Mildenhall to refuel.

The environmental impact is another talking point, raised especially by the Green party. When it comes to noise levels and aircraft emissions large military jets are often noisier and heavier than standard commercial aircraft, and their frequent use could alter the area’s environmental footprint.

At the same time, Prestwick’s role isn’t limited to flights to war troubled zones. It is also used in humanitarian efforts - such as evacuations, disaster relief, and support for NATO and United Nations peacekeeping missions - highlighting a more positive side of its growing strategic importance.

For many, there’s a sense of pride in knowing their local airport is supporting global efforts to save lives and bring stability to troubled regions.

The key moving forward will be transparency. Local communities are likely to feel more secure and better informed if there’s clear communication about the airport’s evolving role and the safety measures in place.

Ayrshire Daily News has had a long and positive relationship with Prestwick Airport. As Prestwick steps into this more prominent position on the world stage, balancing strategic operations with public confidence will be essential.

We would be happy to publish any statement by Prestwick on this important matter which is of concern to some.