Glasgow ‘Dragon’ Viral Video: House of the Dragon’s Syrax Soars Over City Ahead of Commonwealth Games 2026

A life-sized flying model of Syrax, the dragon ridden by Rhaenyra Targaryen in HBO's House of the Dragon, has been spotted soaring over Glasgow for two consecutive mornings, attracting widespread attention online. The display was staged to promote the upcoming third season of the fantasy series while also celebrating the opening of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Videos of the animatronic dragon flying over the Scottish city quickly spread across social media after it appeared in the skies on July 22 and again the following morning. The dragon was created by German aeronautics company Airstage, which designed the aircraft using 3D scans provided from the television series' production. Is Viral Video of a Couple Being Buried Alive in India Real? Fact Check Reveals it's Misleading.

Flying Syrax Stuns Crowds Before Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Dragon Built With Intricate Engineering

Operator and pilot Dennis Gutowsky described the experience of flying the model as unique. "We built this beautiful flying dragon. Her name is Syrax, and this thing has 23 moving parts, which all work together," he said.

"We have moving rudders, we have moving propellers, a moving tail, and also moving wings. "It's very cool to fly a dragon. It's very special because actually I fly RC planes, and that's totally different. "You have to train a lot to fly like like this." Mount Girnar Viral Video Sparks Online Debate Over Pilgrims Being Carried in Palanquins.

The dragon was originally unveiled in London to mark the launch of House of the Dragon Season 3 before arriving in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games celebrations.

Built Over 3,000 Hours

The 13-kilogram model features an eight-metre wingspan and includes 23 moving components that animate its wings, head and tail to replicate realistic flight. Movement is powered by intricate impellers concealed within the dragon's legs.

Its body was constructed using vacuum-formed Depron foam over a carbon fibre and aluminium frame before being finished by hand with airbrushed detailing. According to Airstage, the project took around three months, involved 14 specialists, and required nearly 3,000 hours of work.

The company's lead inventor said the concept was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's original flying machine, adapting centuries-old ideas into a modern flying dragon.

Team Explains the Design

Technician and pilot Matthias Muthsam explained how the dragon was developed from digital assets supplied by HBO. "We started with a 3D model, which we got sent from HBO.

"Then we produced [the dragon] out of them the cut model, and from the cut model, then we plan our next steps. "That's mostly carbon fibre and foam, and we have two motors with vectors, so we can reduce the thrust. And yes, it's all vacuum formed. "It's amazing to be part of the team to build such impressive creatures, and it's nice to be a part of it."

Gutowsky also said inspiring future engineers is one of the most rewarding aspects of the project. "My favourite part is actually to inspire other young people. Everyone can be an engineer and do such a big project, and all other people watching a dragon and feel like, 'wow, that's beautiful'."

The flying dragon's appearance comes ahead of the opening of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with local media including STV and BBC News reporting that the display formed part of celebrations linked to the sporting event.

The realistic model, based on Rhaenyra Targaryen's dragon Syrax from House of the Dragon, has since become a viral attraction, with spectators gathering to watch the aircraft glide over the Glasgow skyline.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 03:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).