September 2025 – Airscene News

Elevate your experience with Altitude!

Altitude is located at the heart of the showground, adjacent to the static aircraft line and with great views of all the action in the air.

It’s a great base to explore the whole RIAT experience from and return to throughout the day where you can enjoy the unique ambience.

With a markedly different feel to any other enclosure, it has upper deck viewing spaces and a cool, contemporary vibe. Enjoy a curated selection of wine, prosecco, beer, cider, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks, along with complimentary food served throughout the day.

When the flying ends, the energy continues – Altitude guests are treated to an exclusive live DJ set inside the enclosure, rounding off the experience in style.

Please note: Altitude on Saturday is currently at 10% off until midnight Monday 22nd September, where prices will go up to 5% off. So, secure your tickets now to get the best deal!

Buy Altitude Tickets HERE

Don’t miss out – First Class Lounge is selling fast

Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy the flying display in comfort and style? Join us at the First Class Lounge, featuring a private marquee and garden offering unbeatable views in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.

You’ll get on-base parking plus complimentary food and drinks served throughout the day – First Class Lounge is the perfect way to experience RIAT in comfort and style.

It’s one of our most popular enclosures, so book now to avoid disappointment.

Buy First Class Lounge Tickets HERE

Over 95 Vintage Vehicles to Compete at Shuttleworth’s Race Day

Shuttleworth’s Air Show season concludes on Sunday 5 October with their Race Day Air Show, a classic blend of vintage aircraft and vehicles that share a common theme: speed.

In an event unlike any other, the Aerodrome near Biggleswade will transform into a vintage sprint track as veteran vehicles from Shuttleworth’s own Collection join a host of visitors to fly along the grass airfield, and down ‘hangar straight’, competing for the Spirit of Shuttleworth Trophy. Following this high-speed demonstration, visitors will then be treated to a thrilling air display which will include a mock air race as well as racing aircraft like the de Havilland DH.88 Comet – winner of the infamous England to Australia air race of 1934 – and the Miles Hawk Speed Six – a Kings Cup air race competitor between 1934 36. The day’s display will also feature the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s iconic Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire.

The event takes inspiration from the founder of the Shuttleworth Collection, Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth. A keen racing spirit with a passion for fast cars and aircraft, Richard competed in countless hill climbs, speed trials and went on to win the inaugural Donington Grand Prix in 1935. After his near fatal crash in the South African Grand Prix in 1936, he gave up motor racing to focus on aviation. This dual passion has led to Race Day’s fantastic combination of icons of speed both on the ground and in the air.

As well as a fantastically close view of both the sprint and the air display, visitors to Shuttleworth’s Race Day Air Show can enjoy a range of interactive Discovery Zones aimed to educate and inspire the next generation of aviators and engineers. The Armed Forces Rally Team will bring a more modern element of racing to the event as well as a BriSCA F2 stock car and a NASCAR from the oval racing scene. Also joining us are the 1066 Car Club with over 30 classic vintage vehicles. The staple attractions of all Shuttleworth air shows will be on offer too: children’s rides, heritage steam exhibits plus the chance to explore Shuttleworth House and the much-loved Swiss Garden. Believe it or not, all of this is included in the price of your ticket.

Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, said, “Race Day is a great opportunity for us to look to our past and honour our founder Richard Shuttleworth whilst also looking to the future of racing by inspiring our younger visitors. This action-packed day is always a fun end to the air show season.”

Shuttleworth’s Race Day Air Show takes place on Sunday 5 October. Tickets start from £34.00 and children go free. You can book yours via www.shuttleworth.org

Royal International Air Tattoo launches new Park and Ride service

Following years of soaring popularity, the Royal International Air Tattoo has announced it will be launching a new Park and Ride service for next year’s show.

The free service, which is capable of taking up to 7,000 cars off of the rural road network surrounding RAF Fairford, will see visitors head to South Cerney airfield, adjacent toDuke of Gloucester Barracks, before making their way to the aviation showcase via a fleet of 100 buses. The Green Route to the showground, previously utilised by people coming from the West, is being re-purposed as a dedicated route for this new service which will help ease congestion in the area.

In addition to the shuttle service being free of charge, visitors opting to use it will be able to gain direct access to the showground as both ticket and bag checks will be conducted at the new facility.

Speaking about the new service, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Gavin Gager said:

“The introduction of this new Park and Ride service is a fantastic development for the Royal International Air Tattoo.

“By utilising the dedicated route previously known as the Green Route, we’re able to significantly reduce congestion and provide a much quicker, more streamlined journey into the showground. This not only improves the experience for our visitors, but also brings real benefits to our local communities by easing pressure on rural roads.

“We’re proud to be making this positive change and look forward to welcoming everyone to next year’s show.”

In recent years, crowds at the show have continued to swell, with 2024 reporting an attendance of 168,000 people, whilst earlier this summer the world-renowned event saw over 175,000 people descend on RAF Fairford.

This year, visitors were also treated to over 200 aircraft from nations all over the world, including Egypt, who were attending for the first time. Tickets for RIAT26 are already on sale and selling at a record pace for the third year in a row.

Gavin added; “Ticket sales for RIAT 2026 are moving at a record-breaking pace, reflecting the incredible demand to be part of next year’s show. “We’re thrilled by the enthusiasm and look forward to welcoming a record crowd to RAF Fairford for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.”

www.airtattoo.com

Tickets are flying!

RIAT is more than just an airshow. You can experience sights and sounds that will leave your heart racing, as well as view many aircraft on our static displays, see inspirational speakers on our Inspire Stage, meet pilots and their aircrews from all over the world, and explore the world of STEM in our Techno Zone… plus much, much more!

General Admission prices for Saturday and Sunday are frozen at 2025 rates, so take advantage of the best prices available for all three days of the show.

Thinking of elevating your experience?

10% off the Aviation Club enclosure ends tonight at midnight, so be quick to secure your place in one of our most popular enclosures. This enclosure is centrally located and offers easy access to the heart of the showground, while also being the perfect place to watch the flying displays.

10% off the Cotswold Club enclosure ends Monday at midnight too. It’s RIAT’s summer garden party – dine alfresco and relax with a drink in this very civilised setting close to the Take Off Zone.

Book Tickets HERE

More about the South Cerney Park & Ride

RIAT continues to grow in popularity, welcoming more attendees each year. To support this growth and improve your experience, we have introduced a brand-new Park & Ride facility at South Cerney.

This new FREE facility is a great option, as we will conduct security and ticket checks at our Park & Ride facility before you arrive at the showground. This will help you get to the action faster! You’ll also find toilets and refreshments available on-site, along with our friendly Air Tattoo Crew members who are there to assist you with any questions you may have. It’s conveniently located just outside Cirencester, and we have a dedicated fleet of 100 buses to get you into the showground. You can book this now along with your RIAT tickets.