First Minister Considers Ban on US Military Aircraft at Prestwick
First Minister John Swinney has indicated he would consider banning US military aircraft from using Prestwick Airport if it is confirmed that these planes are involved in strikes in the Middle East.
Swinney has previously expressed concern regarding the actions taken by the US and Israel against Iran, stating that he does not believe these actions conform with an "international rules-based system."
In an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Swinney said he is seeking clarity from the UK government about the role of US planes operating through the South Ayrshire airport, which is owned by the Scottish government.
When asked whether he would ban such aircraft, he responded:
"I will consider that based on the evidence that's provided to me."
Prestwick Airport was nationalised by the Scottish government in 2013.
The majority of flights at the airport are now cargo services, but in recent years hundreds of flights have involved the US military.
Increased US Military Flights and Political Pressure
At First Minister's Questions on Thursday, the Scottish Greens highlighted that 24 US military planes had landed at the airport in the week prior to the military action against Iran, marking a significant increase.
Co-leader Ross Greer accused Swinney of "sitting on his hands" and urged him to follow Spain's example by banning these flights.
Greer stated that it was "abundantly obvious" what the recent US flights were being used for.
First Minister Seeks Clarity from UK Government
During the BBC interview, Swinney was pressed on the issue and said:
"We're seeking clarity from the United Kingdom government about the purpose of American flights that are coming in and out of Prestwick, but we don't have the ability to scrutinise those flights."
He acknowledged that American aircraft are passing through Prestwick en route to the Middle East but stated he could not make a judgement until the UK government provides clarity on their purpose.
When asked if he would ban the flights if it was confirmed they were involved in Middle East operations, Swinney said:
"I will consider that based on the evidence that's provided to me."
The BBC has contacted the Ministry of Defence to request such clarity.
Previous Controversies Involving Prestwick Airport
The Scottish government faced similar questions regarding Prestwick Airport after it was revealed that an Israeli air force plane had refuelled there in November 2023.
At that time, the government stated that the airport operates on a commercial basis and at arm's length from the government, making its own operational decisions.
However, Ross Greer claimed in the Scottish Parliament that Israeli military planes are now banned from using the airport.
