Airport gives heads-up for increased military flight activity

A pensioner is delighted Prestwick Airport has let residents know in advance there will be more military flights in the area this month.

Martin Dorans, an unpaid carer, raised concerns about a lack of notice regarding low flying aircraft at night in the town.

Speaking on behalf of a number of residents, the community council member appealed for a heads-up on future exercises.

And his concerns seem to have been addressed after the airport issued an update on Thursday, May 6, telling people to expect more war plane activity in the coming weeks.

Glasgow Prestwick Airport would like to make local residents and the general public aware that throughout this month, May 2021, and the beginning of June there will be an increase of Military flight activity around the airport. pic.twitter.com/CDdckGs0jh
— Prestwick Airport (@GPABusiness) May 6, 2021

Mr Dorans, 68, said: “I would like to thank Prestwick Airport for having the courtesy to inform us about future military activities.”

He described seeing three Chinooks hovering above the Prestwick area up to 10.30pm during an evening in March.

Mr Dorans said there had been half a dozen incidents since January up until then.

It is understood the helicopters were taking park in defence training operation Exercise Chameleon.

A Prestwick Airport social media post said: “Glasgow Prestwick Airport would like to make local residents and the general public aware that throughout this month, May 2021, and the beginning of June there will be an increase of Military flight activity around the airport.

It added: “The airport will be supporting UK and NATO Military training exercises.

“Glasgow Prestwick Airport will work alongside personnel taking part in the exercises to ensure there is minimal disruption to local residents during this period.”

Story by local democracy reporter Sarah Hilley