EGPK - Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Aircraft Spotting Information

Comprehensive guide for aircraft spotters at Glasgow Prestwick Airport (ICAO: EGPK, IATA: PIK)

Coordinates
55.509°N, 4.586°W
Elevation
20 ft (6 m) AMSL
Location
Prestwick, South Ayrshire, Scotland

Getting to Glasgow Prestwick Airport

🚂

By Train

Prestwick International Airport Station
The airport has its own railway station, accessible via a covered walkway from the terminal building.

To Glasgow Central:
  • Journey time: ~40 minutes
  • Services: Every 30 minutes (weekdays)
  • Services: Hourly (Sundays)
To Ayr:
  • Journey time: ~10 minutes
  • Services: Approximately hourly
🚌

By Bus

Stagecoach X77 Express
Bus stops are located directly outside the terminal on the A79.

To Glasgow (Buchanan Street Station):
  • Journey time: ~44 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 30 minutes
  • First service: 7:15 AM
  • Last service: 12:05 AM
  • Sunday: Reduced service
To Ayr Bus Station:
  • Journey time: ~15 minutes
  • Frequency: Every 20 minutes (daytime)
🚗

By Car

Postcode for SatNav:
KA9 2PL

Travel Times:
  • From Glasgow: ~40 minutes
  • From Edinburgh: ~1 hour 45 minutes
  • From Ayr: ~10 minutes
Route:

Less than 5 minutes from the A77, connecting to the M77 and other major motorways in Scotland.

Parking:
  • Car Park One: Premium, directly in front of terminal
  • Car Park Two: Short stay, 2-minute walk
  • Car Park Three: Long stay (3+ days), 5-minute walk

All car parks are cashless. Pre-booking recommended.

Airport Parking Information →

Airport Information

Basic Details

ICAO Code:
EGPK
IATA Code:
PIK
Full Name:
Glasgow Prestwick Airport
Coordinates:
55.509°N, 4.586°W
Elevation:
20 feet (6 meters) above sea level

Historical Overview

Established in 1934, Glasgow Prestwick Airport has served various roles throughout its history, including as a transatlantic gateway and a hub for military operations. Over the decades, it has adapted to changing aviation demands, balancing passenger services with cargo and military operations.

The airport has maintained its strategic importance in Scottish aviation and continues to serve as a key facility for both commercial and cargo operations.

Runway Information

Runway 03/21

Length:
1,903 meters (6,243 feet)
Width:
45 meters (148 feet)
Surface:
Asphalt

Runway 12/30

Length:
2,979 meters (9,775 feet)
Width:
46 meters (151 feet)
Surface:
Asphalt
Primary Runway:
Yes - Main runway for larger aircraft

Radio Frequencies

ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service):
121.12 MHz
Tower:
118.15 MHz
Approach:
129.45 MHz

Note: Frequencies are subject to change. Always verify current frequencies through official sources or the ATIS broadcast before your visit.

Aircraft Spotting Locations

1. Spectator Gallery

Location:

Top floor of the terminal building

Access:

Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (free admission)

Features:

  • Indoor viewing area
  • Panoramic views of the airport
  • Weather protection
  • Views of apron and runways

Photography Tips:

  • Shooting through glass - use lens hood to reduce reflections
  • Recommended lens: 18-135mm for versatile coverage
  • Best time: Midday to sunset (10:00 AM onwards)
  • Ideal for: Aircraft on apron and runway activity

2. The Mound

Location:

Near the intersection of Runways 13/31 and 03/21, close to the Control Tower

Access:

Elevated area with parking available

Features:

  • Excellent views of aircraft movements
  • Close to control tower
  • Good for multiple runway angles

Photography Tips:

  • Elevated position provides good angles
  • Recommended lens: 70-300mm
  • Good for: Aircraft on approach and taxiway shots

3. Railway Bridge

Location:

Accessible via the A79, turn at signs for "Prestwick Holiday Park"

Access:

Parking spaces available just after passing over the railway bridge (approx. 10-minute walk from terminal)

Features:

  • Views of aircraft on approach to Runway 12
  • Good for smaller aircraft lining up

Photography Tips:

  • Recommended lens: 100-400mm covers most aircraft
  • Larger planes (e.g., 747) may require wider focal length
  • Best time: Midday to sunset (10:00 AM onwards)
  • Ideal for: Approach shots to Runway 12

4. Goodrich Roundabout

Location:

Roundabout on Station Road in Monkton

Access:

From terminal, walk along A79 and Station Road (approx. 20-25 minutes)

Features:

  • Views of aircraft entering Runway 12 from link Juliet for departure
  • Good for arrivals on Runway 12

Photography Tips:

  • Recommended lens: 28-300mm
  • Best time: Morning (sunrise to 9:30 AM)
  • Ideal for: Departures and arrivals on Runway 12

5. Monkton Village

Location:

In Monkton village, take Main Road towards Spirit Aerosystems at the traffic lights

Access:

Small car park available on the right by Polly's Tearoom

Features:

  • Views of aircraft landing on Runway 12
  • Good for aircraft rolling out on Runway 30 towards terminal

Photography Tips:

  • Recommended lens: 70-300mm
  • Best time: Morning (sunrise to 9:30 AM)
  • Ideal for: Landing shots on Runway 12, rollout shots on Runway 30

6. Layby on A719 Tarbolton Road

Location:

From Sandyford Roundabout, follow signs to Galston on A719, drive 500 meters, then turn left into layby

Features:

  • Good for arrivals on Runway 30

Photography Tips:

  • Recommended lens: 70-300mm
  • Best time: Morning (sunrise to 9:30 AM)
  • Ideal for: Approach and landing shots on Runway 30

7. Crash Gate

Location:

Accessible by car via the A77, east of the airport

Access:

At the roundabout under the approach path of Runway 30, exit onto Sandyford Road. Small parking area just off the roundabout. Walk to the gate.

Features:

  • Views of aircraft lining up on Runway 30
  • Good for landing shots on Runway 21

Photography Tips:

  • Close to runway operations
  • Recommended lens: 70-300mm
  • Good for: Line-up and landing shots

8. The Mound Car Park

Location:

Same access as The Mound, but use the mound on the left side of the parking area

Features:

  • Views of aircraft parked near hangars
  • Good for taxiway shots
  • Good for Runway 12 departures

Photography Tips:

  • Recommended lens: 70-300mm
  • Good for: Static aircraft, taxi shots, departure shots

Important Notes for Spotters

  • Safety First: Always be mindful of airport security and local regulations when choosing your spotting locations.
  • Respect Private Property: Respect private property and adhere to any local regulations or restrictions.
  • Commercial Photography: Commercial filming or photography within the airport requires prior approval, with requests to be made at least 28 days in advance.
  • Equipment Recommendation: A versatile zoom lens (e.g., 70-300mm) is recommended to accommodate various aircraft sizes and distances.
  • Weather: Weather conditions can significantly impact photography. Check latest forecasts before planning your visit.

Current Operations

Cargo Operations

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has experienced significant growth in cargo operations, establishing itself as a key cargo hub between the UK and China.

Major Cargo Airlines:

  • China Southern Air Logistics
  • Beijing Capital Airlines
  • Air China Cargo

Fleet:

Regular wide-bodied freighter operations, including Airbus A330 freighters

Passenger Operations

Ryanair:

Ryanair has been operating at Glasgow Prestwick Airport for over 30 years, celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2024. The airline operates passenger services with additional frequencies during peak seasons.

Ryanair also operates an Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility on-site, employing over 600 people, and has invested significantly in training facilities on the airport campus.

Videos

Watch aircraft spotting videos and recordings from Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Glasgow Prestwick Airport

Aircraft spotting footage from EGPK

Watch on YouTube

More videos coming soon

More videos coming soon

Images

Aircraft spotting photographs from Glasgow Prestwick Airport

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Photography Tips & Best Times

Optimal Times

Morning (Sunrise to 9:30 AM):

Best locations: Goodrich Roundabout, Monkton Village, Layby on A719 Tarbolton Road. Early morning light provides good conditions for approach and landing shots.

Midday to Sunset (10:00 AM onwards):

Best locations: Spectator Gallery and Railway Bridge. Favorable lighting conditions during these times, especially for apron and approach photography.

Recommended Equipment

Lenses:

  • Versatile zoom: 70-300mm (most versatile)
  • Spectator Gallery: 18-135mm (indoor shooting)
  • Railway Bridge: 100-400mm (approach shots)
  • General spotting: 28-300mm or 70-300mm

Accessories:

  • Lens hood (essential for glass shooting)
  • Weather protection for equipment
  • Extra batteries and memory cards