Another Take-Off Thursday brings a wave of exciting updates, with a RIAT debut leading the way. The Hungarian Air Force has confirmed it will showcase its impressive Embraer KC-390 Millennium on static display for the first time – a standout addition to look forward to.
We’re also delighted to welcome the Lithuanian Air Force with one of their newly updated LET 410 aircraft, alongside the return of familiar favourites including the RAF Microlight Flying Association.
Last chance for Friday Early Bird prices. Ends on Monday 4th May at midnight!
This is your final chance to grab a Friday General Admission ticket at the Early Bird price before they increase to full price on Monday 4th May at midnight. You know you’ll kick yourself if you miss this opportunity. Buy now before it’s too late.
And if you want to make your day even more special with an enclosure upgrade, you’ll need to move fast as all Saturday enclosures apart from Altitude are now completely SOLD OUT! With only 100 spaces remaining in Altitude, these final upgrades will go in a flash. Friday and Sunday enclosure upgrades are still available though, so you can still elevate your experience and make your weekend unforgettable.
Hampshire, UK; The Hampshire Air Festival has confirmed one of the most iconic and rare aircraft to appear on the UK airshow circuit in 2026, the FUBAR Aviation MiG-17F (Lim-5), adding a real highlight to the festival’s opening year flying display. And just in time before ticket prices increase on 1 May.
Taking place at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12–13 September 2026, Hampshire Air Festival is a new two-day aviation weekend created to celebrate “The Age of Flight” through flying displays, static aircraft and a Saturday evening extravaganza of afterburners from the MiG-17, pyro aerobatics, a drone display and fireworks.
Organisers say the event has been designed to tell the story of aviation across more than a century, from early flight through to vintage warbirds and aerobatic displays to more modern jets.
The confirmation of the MiG-17F is a significant statement of intent for a first-year show. Travelling from Poland, the aircraft is currently the only airworthy MiG-17F in Europe and one of the rarest jet displays available to airshow audiences.
For a newly established airshow to secure such a type for its debut year underlines the scale of the programme being assembled and the organisers’ ambition to create an event with genuine appeal for both enthusiasts and the wider public.
Built in 1958 at WSK Mielec, the aircraft is a Polish-produced Lim-5, a licensed version of the Soviet MiG-17F. The type was a key Cold War fighter, known for its swept-wing design, strong low-altitude agility and rugged construction. Powered by a Klimov VK-1F turbojet with afterburner, the MiG-17F delivered improved high-speed handling over the MiG-15 and remained in service with air forces around the world for decades.
Alongside the MiG-17F, Hampshire Air Festival has also already announced a growing and varied flying display programme featuring a mix of military, heritage and modern aircraft, including the Royal Air Force, and reflecting the event’s broad ambition to appeal to enthusiasts and families alike.
Visitors will be able to see the MiG-17F on both days of the festival. On Saturday it will feature in the Evening Extravaganza with afterburner passes, while on Sunday it will return for a full daytime flying display.
Jonathan Moore, the event organiser said “the team was thrilled to welcome such a rare and historically important jet to the inaugural event. The MiG-17F’s presence reflects the festival’s aim to combine spectacle with substance, creating a weekend that will appeal to enthusiasts, families and those discovering aviation for the first time.”
Hampshire Air Festival takes place at Thruxton Aerodrome on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.
Ticket prices will be increasing on 1 May after discounts have been available for the past 5 months.
This week brings another exciting addition to the flying display for RIAT26.
We’re delighted to confirm the Italian Army’s participation, who will be showcasing the rare Agusta Mangusta in the flying display, which is a welcomed addition. They will also be bringing a Boeing Chinook for the static display.
On the ground, even more aircraft have been confirmed, including a Scottish Aviation Bulldog, a SIAI Marchetti SF.260D in Italian Air Force livery, and a British Aerospace Hawk. This will also mark RIAT’s first appearance of this Hawk in civilian hands. With less than three months to go until RIAT26, discussions with participating Air Arms continue as we work to bring even more aircraft announcements in the coming weeks.
Final call: RIAT26 enclosure offers end this Sunday
April is nearly over, and so are our enclosure offers for RIAT26.
At midnight, Sunday 26th April, all discounted enclosure packages come to an end.
An enclosure is the best way to experience RIAT – giving you a dedicated space, premium viewing, and a more relaxed way to take in the action away from the busiest areas. It’s about comfort, atmosphere, and making the most of your day.
For those planning a more flexible visit, general admission tickets are still available and remain a fantastic way to enjoy RIAT26. They give you access to all the flying displays, plenty of viewing areas across the site, and the full atmosphere of the show. Secure your RIAT26 experience now – whether that’s general admission or an enclosure upgrade. But remember, all enclosure discounts end this Sunday at midnight!
The organisers of the highly acclaimed Midlands Air Festival are predicting a sell out weekend for this world-famous show. Combining an international air display and one of Europe’s largest hot air balloon events, this unique aviation festival attracts an audience from all over the Midlands, the UK and Europe.
The annual event features the spectacular red jets of the RAF Red Arrows, the historic Spitfire, Hurricane and DC3 Dakota of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the stunning mass parachute team of the RAF Falcons. This year’s highlights include from Poland the cold war Mig 17F fighter jet; from France the big beefy Conair Firecat which is a fire bomber and will be dropping over 3,000litres of water in 4 seconds; the two ground attack jets of the Strikemaster Pair and the largest civilian formation air display team in the UK – Team Raven.
Also in the air show line up is the giant four engine WW2 Flying Fortress B17; a Mustang P51 fighter; the Royal Navy Swordfish; the graceful Catalina Sea Plane; the historic bi planes of the Stampe display team; the big Vietnam era turbo prop Bronco and the insane high energy aerobatics of the Extra.
Added to these there will be two very rare famous helicopters in the ‘Rescue Pair’ one is the Westland Sea King and the other is the Westland Whirlwind, the only airworthy example in the world. Also in the rotary department is the ever-popular tiny Callidus Gyrocopter. Others include, the WW2 warbird trainer the Harvard, the evocative Rolls-Royce Spitfire, the modern ‘star ship’ Twinstar and from France the gorgeous Spartan Executive, which is a 1930’s propeller version of a modern executive jet, plus a selection of superb large radio-controlled aircraft.
For the balloon enthusiasts there will be over 100 giant multicoloured round hot air balloons plus a fabulous collection of massive ‘special shape’ character balloons, including a rare appearance of the absolutely enormous Harley Davidson motor bike, not seen in the UK for over 40 years! Other popular favourites include Iggy the Purple Dragon; Thomas the Tank Engine; Smiley Scarcrow; Finley the Turtle and Busby the King’s Guardsman to name but a few of the 27 special shapes attending this year as part of the largest line up of uniquely shaped balloons in Europe.
This amazing festival kicks off with the signature ‘Nightfire’ event which starts with an afternoon air display, then a massive balloon ascent, pyrotechnic air displays, the iconic fireglow with dancing balloons and fire show then a spectacular firework finale. These dazzling displays and glowing giants all take place in the estate grounds of the historic Ragley Hall near Alcester.
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust is set to inspire the next generation of aircraft pilots with its new eDrone racing competition, Race to RIAT.
Launched alongside partners the British Esports Federation and DXC Technology, a leading enterprise technology and innovation partner, the competition, which will involve schools and RAF Air Cadets between the ages of 14-16 years old, will see young people battle it out across six weeks before reaching the final race at the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer.
The races are created using Velocidrone software, allowing participants to join from across the country. The competition is composed of six different tracks with races taking place between April 20th and June 14th. The 16 fastest participants will battle it out at RIAT in the grand final to scoop first place on the podium.
Hannah Langford, Head of Charity Development at RAFCT said: “We’re proud to launch Race to RIAT, a new FPV simulator racing competition which brings STEM learning and aviation awareness directly into classrooms and Air Cadet units. By giving teenagers the chance to design, fly, and race drones, we’re helping young people develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to pursue future pathways in engineering, technology and aviation.
“With the support of DXC Technology, this initiative demonstrates how innovative learning experiences can spark ambition and open doors, showing young people that the future of flight and technology is something they can be part of today.”
“At DXC Technology, we recognise the critical importance of equipping young people with the digital and engineering skills needed for the future workforce,” said Derek Allison, General Manager, DXC UK & Ireland “Race to RIAT provides an exciting and engaging way for students to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), develop problem?solving capabilities and build the confidence to pursue careers in technology. We’re delighted to partner with the RAF Charitable Trust and British Esports to help inspire and nurture the next generation of innovators.”
The activity allows young people to engage in a STEM activity with particular emphasis on cyber and digital skills, as well as engineering concepts, problem solving and air mindedness. Hosting the final on the Inspire Stage at RIAT, as well as celebrating the success of competitors, provides a showcase for esports as a way in which young people can fulfil their potential in air, space and technology.
The series is a three-way partnership between RAFCT, the British Esports Federation and DXC Technology, which will see the three organisations collaborating to deliver the competition, alongside a series of talks and presentations on the Inspire Stage highlighting the range of careers pathways which esports and gaming can open.
Kalam Neale, Head of Education at the British Esports Federation said:
“Through the combination of esports, eDrone racing and education, British Esports are proud to announce Race to RIAT in partnership with the RAF Charitable Trust and DXC Technologies. Race to RIAT presents an opportunity for school pupils and cadets to engage in their passion, compete and develop key transferable skills that will support their future career aspirations and open up a whole new world of opportunities in STEM, digital and aviation industries connecting the next generation of talent with the jobs of the future.”
We’re delighted to confirm the return of the Turkish Air Force to RIAT26, with exciting contributions both in the air and on the ground. We’re particularly pleased to welcome back the Turkish Stars display team, marking their first UK appearance since 2010! Alongside their flying display, the Turkish Air Force will also bring the iconic F-4E Phantom II to the static line-up as part of this year’s ‘Fighter Meet’ theme.
Continuing with the theme, we’re also pleased to confirm a MiG-15 for the static display, presented in Polish Air Force markings – a fantastic addition showcasing a true Cold War classic.
Supporting our ‘Royal Flight’ theme, we’re delighted to include the Royal Chipmunk in this year’s line-up. This historic aircraft was used to train members of the Royal Family to fly, including His Majesty King Charles III, making it a particularly special addition to RIAT26. We continue to work closely with our international partners, with some exciting developments in progress for this year’s show. More flying display announcements will be coming next week as we get closer to July.
Make sure you’ve secured your tickets. General Admission tickets give you access to all the thrilling flying displays and showground attractions, while Enclosure packages offer an upgraded experience with exclusive viewing areas and premium facilities.
Thinking of Altitude on Saturday? Now’s the time to book Tickets are currently 5% off, but prices will rise to full price at midnight on Sunday 19th April – don’t miss the chance to save.
First air show, Season Premiere, on 10 May sets tone for exciting season ahead
Old Warden, 15 April 2026 – The excitement is building at Shuttleworth, with its first air show of the summer, Season Premiere, taking place on 10 May 2026.
Season Premiere sets the tone for an unforgettable start to Shuttleworth’s air show season, delivering a full day of entertainment for visitors of all ages. The air display will showcase an impressive line?up of visiting aircraft, with several making their first-ever appearance at Shuttleworth. This includes the XtremeAir XA41, specifically designed for energetic aerobatic displays, as well as one of the most famous transport aircraft in aviation history, the Douglas C-47 Dakota. Also joining Shuttleworth will be the Royal Air Force’s Falcons Parachute Display team. Alongside these visitors, Shuttleworth’s own world?class Collection, including the world’s oldest airworthy aircraft (the Blériot Type XI) and iconic Supermarine Spitfire and Westland Lysander, will fly.
The excitement continues beyond the airfield, with a packed programme of ground attractions. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy a complimentary fun fair, explore a variety of stalls, enjoy delicious street food, and dive into hands-on STEM activities in the Discovery Zones. A vintage bus service will transport visitors to Shuttleworth House, once home to Collection founder Richard Shuttleworth and now a celebrated venue for events and weddings. Elsewhere, the Clayton and Shuttleworth Heritage Team will demonstrate historic machinery in action. Visitors can also explore Swiss Garden, a unique example of a Regency garden in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ style, offering a tranquil contrast to the excitement of the show.
Marc Boult, Head of Visitor Operations at Shuttleworth, commented:“The first show of the season, our Season Premiere always has a unique buzz about it as staff, volunteers and visitors alike enjoy seeing a wonderful array of aircraft back in the skies above Old Warden. The excitement surrounding the start of the season is well deserved – we have an exceptional season ahead, featuring more European visiting displays than ever before and some very special anniversaries to celebrate.”
The Season Premiere Air Show is the first of seven spectacular shows taking place at Shuttleworth this year:
• Wings & Wheels Air Show – 31 May
• Festival of Flight Air Show – 27-28 June
• Summer Air Show – 25 July
• Flying Proms Air Show – 15 August
• Military Air Show – 29 August
• Race Day Air Show – 4 October
To find out more about the air show season and book your tickets, click here.
All aircraft appearances are subject to weather and serviceability.
The RAF Museum Midlands is proud to announce it has been awarded Which? Recommended Provider status in the prestigious ‘Best Museums and Galleries in the UK’ category.
In a survey of over 2,000 members conducted by the independent consumer champion Which?, the RAF Museum Midlands achieved an outstanding score of 93%, making it the joint top-rated Museum in the UK.
Which? members praised the Museum across several key areas including exhibitions living up to expectations and excellent value for money. Museum staff were also recognised in the survey, achieving top marks from Which? members, as did the facilities on offer, and the uncrowded environments across vast hangars and outdoor areas. The quality of information available to visitors and the Museum’s café were also highly commended.
This latest accolade reinforces the RAF Museum Midlands’ reputation as one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions, offering an engaging, educational and memorable day out for all.
Barry Smith, Director of Visitor and Commercial Development at the RAF Museum said:
‘We are incredibly proud to be recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider and be rated joint top of Which’s best UK museums list. Which? only endorses the best products and services that genuinely stand out for quality, making this recognition a true reflection of visitor satisfaction and excellence. We scored consistently highly across all areas, and this recognition is a testament of the team’s dedication to delivering an enjoyable and accessible day out for everyone.’
Which? Recommended Providers are companies that are both rated highly by Which? members and have products that meet the high standards of Which? researchers. As a completely independent organisation, the granting of Which? Recommended Provider status truly reflects what they think – not what someone else wants them to say.
Which? The best museums and galleries in the UK article 2026 stated:
‘Ask an RAF veteran (we did) and they’ll tell you Cosford is the best aircraft museum in the nation, nay the world. You can marvel at the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant V-bombers that dangle from the ceiling of this Midlands hangar, and stand in awe of the supersonic BAC TSR-2 prototype. Kids get a kick out of the Virtual Reality Zone, where they can do loop-the-loops in the pilot seat of an iconic Spitfire, while unwittingly honing their World War history.’
The Museum’s sister site, the RAF Museum London, also performed exceptionally well – with the joint highest visitor score for any museum or gallery in London.
Explore the full Which? findings here – ‘The best museums and galleries in the UK’. To plan a visit and enjoy a free family day out at one of the UK’s top-rated museums, visit rafmuseum.org/midlands. The Museum is open daily from 10.00am and entry is free.
This week brings exciting news as we reveal the first Royal Air Force participants confirmed for RIAT26! ?
As part of this year’s ‘Fighter Meet’ theme, we’re pleased to welcome back the RAF Typhoon Display Team with their award-winning display. They’ll be joined by the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with the Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane.
We’re also pleased to confirm participation from the Swedish Air Force as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Their Saab Gripens will feature in both the flying display and static line-up, with the JAS-39C taking to the skies and the JAS-39D available to view on the ground.
Completing this week’s announcement, a trio of civilian aircraft will join the static display, including a Cessna 152 from Halton Aero Club, a Cessna T-41A Mescalero from AKS Aviation, and a Slingsby Nipper from Aerial Vocations. With discussions ongoing, there’s plenty more to come as the RIAT26 participation list continues to grow.
Tickets for RIAT26 are selling fast, and enclosures are already filling up – Flight Deck Saturday is now completely sold out.
Secure your place by choosing from a range of ticket options to suit your day. For an unforgettable experience, upgrade to one of our hospitality enclosures and enjoy premium viewing, added comfort, and exclusive perks. Availability is limited, so booking now is highly recommended.
Take advantage of our early bird offers: Viewing Village Grandstand Friday and Flight Deck Friday tickets are currently available at 10% off – but hurry, this discount ends at midnight on Sunday 12th April, when prices will go to 5% off.
General Admission tickets are still available though, giving you full access to everything RIAT has to offer – from breathtaking flying displays to an impressive static aircraft line-up. Demand is soaring, so don’t miss out – book your tickets today.
The South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum (SYAM) can today announce the arrival of a long-term restoration project from the Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford – Fairchild/Bristol Bolingbroke Mk. IVT ‘9893’. While a composite airframe, the project features parts from 9893 and structural elements known to date back to 1942.
The Bolingbroke was a maritime patrol & training aircraft used by the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. The type saw extensive use through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, a created between the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and trained nearly half of the Pilots, Navigators, Bomb Aimers, Air Gunners, Wireless Operators and Flight engineers that served with the RAF, Fleet Air Arm and the Air Forces of Canada, Australia and New Zealand during the War.
Built by the Fairchild Aircraft Company as a Bolingbroke Mk. IVT in 1942, 9893 would join the No. 4 Training Command of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta and serve primarily with the No. 8 Bombing and Gunnery School. A relatively short service life would follow, with 9893 being heavily damaged on 19th December 1942 during a ferry flight from RCAF Station Lethbridge. Pilot Flying Officer J D Heacock would experience a port engine failure shortly after take off, and carried out a forced landing approximately 12 miles southwest of the airfield. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a telephone pole and sustained serious damage. Stored in reserve following the accident, 9893 would not be repaired during the war and was subsequently sold off in 1946 following the end of the Second World War and the end of the BCATP.
Bolingbroke serial number 9893 was acquired by IWM Duxford in the 1980s with the long-term intention of full restoration, and has now been formally transferred to SYAM to continue that work and joined the museum’s collection in Doncaster on Thursday 2 April. The restored rear fuselage has been placed on display inside the museum’s main hangar alongside the cockpit section which has seen substantial work completed, while the remaining components remain in storage awaiting further restoration activity. 9893 will be a long term restoration project for the museum, with the aircraft to be exhibited in the distinctive Trainer Yellow scheme used by most aircraft of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP) once work is completed.
On acquiring the Bolingbroke project, South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum trustee Sam Scrimshaw said “The opportunity to acquire a genuine Second World War era aircraft isn’t one that is available often, and the addition of the Bolingbroke to our collection will allow us to share with our visitors stories of local WW2 airmen that they may not have known otherwise.
“One such story we shall be sharing is that of Flying Officer Ernest Lewis Ellis, a Sheffield man who completed his flying training in Canada through the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, including flying over 40 different Bolingbroke aircraft. After gaining his wings, Ellis flew locally from RAF Hemswell and RAF Lindholme, before joining 166 Squadron at RAF Kirmington, now Humberside Airport on Lancaster Bombers. Sadly Ernest and his crew would fail to return from their 22nd mission, a bombing raid to Pforzheim on 23rd February 1945. The museum holds Ernest’s Logbook and a number of personal letters between himself, family and friends within our collection.
“We would also like to thank IWM Duxford for the opportunity to take on 9893 and giving us the opportunity to share Ernest’s story with our visitors, the role of ‘The Plan’ in supporting the war effort and the bravery shown by the men of RAF Bomber Command throughout the Second World War.”
