Ayr International Air Show 2026

 The Ayr International Air Show is our largest local event of the year, drawing more than 200,000 people to attend the seashore events and aircraft displays. Ayr is a fair-sized town, but those numbers put incredible pressure on car parking and public transport. Plenty of complaints came from car drivers who didn't arrive early, and traffic leaving the town from the park-and-ride sites was apparently difficult. I went by train, just a few stops down the line and got there without a problem mid-afternoon and away in a reasonable time. ScotRail added extra services and used full-length trains.

The seafront has static displays, including all the local military units. Plus a large collection of eating options and circus rides. They ensure that not everyone leaves at the end of the displays.

Air show schedules are always a challenge, given the distances some of the aircraft travel and the weather. Ayr is a popular show because Prestwick Airport is nearby for landing and refuelling. The weather was dry, but a bit windy and cloudy. The constant schedule changes are annoying, and I missed the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which arrived well ahead of the planned schedule.

Nonetheless, there was a good spread of aircraft types, and this is one of those rare days when my proper camera gets a run-out. The Red Arrows are always the high point, but the Navy Wings and the tornado are also well worth seeing. Even if my ears haven't quite recovered from the Tornado engine noise!

The C-130s from the Canadian Air Force are regular visitors to Prestwick. And regularly interrupt my golf!

Wingwalking. Not for me thanks!

Irish Air Corps display team.

Navy Wings

Seaplane, which again flies around Scotland. Just a splash for the air show given the winds and sea state.

The Red Arrows Hawk aircraft are now 40 years old. They are to be replaced.

Not the greatest picture, as I was on my way out, and it shifts a bit. But an impressive display

Always a quality day out.