The base is now on what is termed "Care and Maintenance." This effectively allows the airfield to be used by civilian airlines, which may conduct scheduled and charter flights from the aerodrome. The civilian operating companies are responsible for the up-keep of the aerodrome, which may sometimes be used by an RAF or Army detachment whilst on excercise. During times of conflict / national emergency, the aerodrome would revert to its intended military use.
RAF Machrihanish is now known as Cambeltown Airport and is used by Loganair for flights to Glasgow International Airport.