THE Red Arrows are the aerobatics display team of the RAF, having performed for millions across their 62 year history.
Here’s all you need to know about todays display at Scotland’s International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight 2026.
The Red Arrows are flying with just seven aircraft during the 2026 season Credit: Alamy Live News.
What is the Red Arrows route today?
The Red Arrows will take off from Glasgow Prestwick Airport at around 6.01pm and will fly over parts of Kimarnock, Muirkirk and New Cumnock.
They will then fly over Drongan before beginning the show at around 6.10pm.
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They will perform for around 21 minutes and then head back to Prestwick, where they will complete their journey.
Here are the official, down-to-the-minute timings for today’s flight path:
6.01pm – Prestwick
6.03pm – South of Kilmarnock
6.05pm – North of Muirkirk
6.07pm – North East of New Cumnock
6.09pm – North West of Drongan
6.10pm – Ayr Display
6.31pm – Oversea
6.32pm – West of Troon
6.33pm – Prestwick
You can see a map of the planned route below, per the website Military Airshows:
Why are there only seven Red Arrows in 2026?
In a shake-up announced on Saturday, May 23, the Red Arrows are now performing with seven aircraft instead of the traditional nine for the majority of their displays in 2026.
Reducing the numbers cuts down engine wear and tear by a massive 22% over the season.
But the full nine-craft formation isn’t dead, and will still be brought back for state occasions and national flypasts.
The change has been brought in to help manage the team’s ageing Hawk T1 jets as they prepare to transition to newer types of aircraft.
An RAF spokesperson said: “The Red Arrows are the pride of the nation, known globally for their world-class precision, speed, and teamwork.
“The Red Arrows will fly in a nine-aircraft formation for HM The King’s Birthday Flypast and the 4th of July 250 Commemorations in the USA this year.
“For other displays, they will operate with seven aircraft, continuing to deliver high-quality, engaging displays at air shows and events across the UK, mainland Europe and further afield.”
