It is with great disappointment that we are letting you know this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo will not be taking place.
We understand how much RIAT means to so many people; our visitors, volunteers, partners, and the wider community who return year after year. We know the memories, traditions, and anticipation that build around the event.
This has not been an easy decision. It follows extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force regarding uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, given the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
We want to thank you for your continued support and understanding. Everyone who has purchased a ticket will be offered the choice to roll over their tickets to RIAT27, receive a full refund, or donate the cost of their tickets to the RAF Charitable Trust, supporting our wider charitable work.
Gavin Gager, Chief?Executive Officer of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said:
“We know how much RIAT means to everyone, and recognise how disappointing this news will be. It is a disappointment we feel just as strongly.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support, loyalty, and understanding. Looking ahead, we remain fully committed to returning in 2027, and to making sure RIAT comes back stronger than ever. We very much look forward to welcoming you all again.”
This week, we’re excited to confirm more additions to the line-up for RIAT26!
The Italian Air Force’s Reparto Sperimentale Volo will return to the flying display with an impressive trio of aircraft with their C-27 Spartan, F-2000A Typhoon and T-346A Master all taking to the skies this July!
On the ground, we’re also pleased to confirm an array of aircraft from the Qatar Emiri Air Force. Making its RIAT debut this year will be the Leonardo AW139 helicopter, alongside returning favourites including the C-17A Globemaster and Hawk jet trainer. Their Typhoon will also be joining this year’s ‘Fighter Meet’ theme, bringing together an exciting gathering of fast jets from across the globe.
With less than two months to go until RIAT26, anticipation is continuing to build for another unforgettable weekend of aviation action!
The trustees of Newark Air Museum has been notified that the Phantom FGR2 cockpit from XV490, which has been on long-term loan at the museum since 2012 will soon be leaving for a new home in the Cotswolds. This will be with the Phantom Group at Kemble.
XV490 arrived at its Gateway Aviation Site in in north-eastern Nottinghamshire in 2011, when it vacated its previous display location at the Hack Green Nuclear Bunker site. At that time it was anticipated it would move onto display at the former RAF Wattisham site in Suffolk, however that move never materialised.
The impending departure of XV490 will take place on 16th June, 2026. Before heading south, the cockpit will be displayed at the Lincolnshire County Show.
This week, we’re excited to announce more additions to the line-up for RIAT26!
Returning to RAF Fairford for the first time since 2016, the Krila Oluje Display Team of the Croatian Air Force will once again take to the skies with their spectacular display of their Pilatus PC-9M aircraft.
On the ground, the German Air Force will also bring a Eurofighter EF2000, with a special livery to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Luftwaffe.
We’re also pleased to confirm that the Royal Canadian Air Force will be bringing both the CC-130J Hercules and CC-150 Polaris. With the Polaris approaching retirement, this is one of the final opportunities to see this iconic aircraft in person.
Completing this week’s additions, the Royal Air Force will also be bringing an F-35B Lightning II for the static display line-up. With less than two months to go until RIAT26, preparations are in full swing at Douglas Bader House!
Europe’s only flying MiG-17 and F-86 Sabre jets will perform rare displays at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow this summer.
The UK’s biggest free seafront airshow returns from 13 – 16 August with a packed programme of fast jets, historic aircraft and aerobatic displays, including three performances from the RAF Red Arrows.
The iconic MiG-17 Cold War fighter jet, based in Poland, will take flight over the weekend with a thunderous new display for fast jet fans. Following its significant restoration, Airbourne will be one of the first few public events to see the aircraft – and its incredible afterburner – in action!
Also joining the show is the North American F-86 Sabre with a thrilling display of speed. The French based Canadair swept wing fighter jet will perform on Thursday, in what will be its first ever visit to the south coast.
Fans of aerobatics can also look forward to The Firebirds in action on Thursday and Friday – a duo specialising in tight formation aerobatics using Van’s RV-4 aircraft.
These latest displays to be announced join a world class line-up, which already includes the RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor, Royal Navy Black Cats, Jet Pitts, The Starlings, Stampe Formation Team and the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers.
They are joined by two trailblazing female aviators making their Eastbourne debut this year – six-times French champion and the first woman to compete in the Red Bull Air Race, Mélanie Astles in the Extra 330SC, and National Aerobatics and Tiger Trophy winner, Isabel Rutland in the P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’.
Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism & Place, Cllr Jenny Williams said, “Airbourne has always been first and foremost a fast jet show – whether it’s the modern day Typhoon, the thundering MiG-17, the historic F-86 Sabre or the smooth precision of the Red Arrows – this year fans will have their pick of some of the most astounding engineering feats and astonishing aerobatics on the airshow circuit!
“If you like the roar of a fast jet then please do support the show and keep it flying. You can reach hundreds of thousands of spectators with our sponsorship and advertising packages or join the Ambassador programme with a monthly donation from just £2 – there is even an exclusive gold badge to collect at the show.”
Voted UK’s Best Free Airshow in 2025 (by Airscene), Airbourne hospitality is now on sale with a choice of fine dining, premium BBQ or private cabanas – each with drinks packages, along with exclusive seating areas, car parking and pre-ordering for the souvenir programme and pin badge, sponsored by PRG Marketing Communications.
In addition to RAF, Army and Navy ground displays, shopping villages, simulators and children’s entertainment areas, tribute concerts will perform each evening at the Bandstand, with a firework finale on Sunday evening – subject to sponsorship.
The current flying line-up includes:
Red Arrows (Fri – Sun)
Typhoon (Fri – Sun)
Tutor (Fri – Sun)
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: Dakota, Hurricane & Spitfire (Thurs – Sun)
Royal Navy Black Cats solo display (Thurs – Sun)
Melanie Astles Extra 330SC (Thurs – Sun)
P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’ (Thurs – Sun)
Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers (Thurs – Sun)
F-86 Sabre (Thurs)
Stampe Formation Team (Thurs – Fri)
The Firebirds (Thurs – Fri)
MiG-17 (Sat – Sun)
Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts (Sat – Sun)
The Starlings (Sat – Sun)
Airbourne 2026 is supported by Bella & Duke, Caffyns, Cloud Connx, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Eastbourne News, Elite Medical, Environment First, Euro Self Drive, Frontier Fireworks, Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance, The Lansdowne, More Radio, Neighbourhood First, NTB Outdoors, PRG Marketing Communications, Pureprint Group, The View Hotel, Visit Eastbourne and Zephyr Tech.
Supporting the show is Caffyns – the Eastbourne Airshow Official Pilot Transfer Sponsor dealership – providing net zero emissions pilot and logistic vehicles.
Fans can support the show and keep Airbourne flying high with a one off donation or a monthly pledge from as little as £2 a month at www.SaveAirbourne.com, with all proceeds supporting the flying displays at the show. For more information or to book hospitality, seating, parking, trade space, sponsorship/advertising, pre-order a programme or make a donation visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com.
This week, we’re pleased to confirm not one, but two RIAT debuts for RIAT26! Joining the static line-up is the Czech Air Force’s brand-new L-39NG Skyfox, alongside the first-ever RIAT appearance from the Kuwait Air Force’s KC-130J Hercules.
Looking to the skies, we’re adding even more power to the flying display. Saab will be bringing their latest Gripen E as part of our ‘Fighter Meet’ theme, promising an impressive showcase of modern airpower.
Finally, we’re welcoming two Romanian additions to the static display. The Romanian Air Force’s Antonov An-30 will be making a rare visit to the UK, joined by an IAR 823, presented in Romanian markings and operated by a civilian owner.
While most enclosures are sold out on Saturday, Sunday still has availability and is a great day to experience the show.
Whether you’re wanting to watch the flying display from a grandstand, from a relaxed atmosphere in a garden setting, or something in between, we have an option to suit everyone. Choose from fully catered or keep it flexible with a range of catering options to choose from that can be purchased on the day. Our enclosures are a perfect base to explore the static displays and all that the rest of the showground has to offer.
The Army Flying Museum, in Middle Wallop, are in the last throws of their preparation for their popular annual fundraising event, Wallop Wheels and Wings, which will take place on both the Museum site and the historic adjacent airfield on Saturday 11 July.
Visitors are in for a real treat again this year as, weather permitting, a number of air displays are planned throughout the event. The amazing Royal Navy Raiders parachute team will be wowing the crowds and making their first visit to Wallop Wheels and Wings. The Team has operated since 1983 and comprises volunteers from across the Royal Navy and Royal Marines who enjoy promoting the Service to domestic audiences at public events, air shows, military and sporting events. The team conduct a visually stunning display with pyrotechnics, underslung flags before accurately landing within the arena in front of the excited crowd It is set to be a very exciting addition to the display programme at this popular annual event at Middle Wallop.
In addition, the Museum are thrilled to welcome back the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight Spitfire and the Navy Wings Chipmunk and Bird Dog who will be entertaining the crowds with a tail chase.
Also included in the programme are very special displays by the Gazelle Squadron, Pitts Special and Yak, with a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire. The event will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chipmunk and 90th anniversary of the Spitfire, with static displays of aircraft for visitors to view.
The event is a great day out for the whole family, not just for car, motorbike and aircraft enthusiasts and will see a full programme of entertainment running throughout the day including craft activities, pit stop challenge, laser tag, mini racers and circus skills, for all ages to get involved in. This year, sponsors GKN Aerospace, Boeing and Andover College will also provide some great activities to keep young minds whirring in the Discovery Den. Younger visitors will also have lots of fun with the classic pedal planes and little tanks.
The shopping village will showcase local artisan traders including Homemade Brownie Company, Bluestone Vineyards, Hornet Chilli, Saxnot Meadery, and many more and is a great chance to support local independent traders and pick up some unique gifts. Visitors can also enjoy a range of talks from military authors and historians in the Speaker’s Tent.
The event has again attracted its highest number of exhibitors, with over 400 classic/super cars and motorcycles, with a very special display by sponsors Andover Norton International. The event will also showcase the Light Aircraft Association, Living History Groups, the Historic Aircraft Flight and much more.
For those with an interest in photography, there are only limited tickets remaining for the photography enclosure which gives exclusive access to aircraft arrivals and prime positioning to capture some amazing shots on the day.
Chief Executive of the Museum Lucy Johnson said: “Wallop Wheels and Wings is the Army Flying Museum’s main fundraising event and a chance to showcase some of the best vintage aircraft, cars and motorbikes on the beautiful site of Middle Wallop airfield. We are also thrilled to have been able to programme a number of air displays into the event again this year. The Museum is an independent charity and relies on fundraising activities to support the work we do in preserving the history of British Army aviation. In February, the Museum suffered an unexpected three-week closure due to a power outage, so the event this year is more important than ever in raising vital funds for the Museum! But, it’s also a brilliant day out for the whole family and we hope you can join us!”
All tickets purchased in advance of the event come with a free annual pass for the Museum valid from 12 July and with all school holiday activities included in the annual pass, this gives great value for money for local families to enjoy and support this great local Museum. Ticket prices increase from Thursday 9th July, so be sure to book nice and early to get great discounts on tickets.
