Airshow News from the UK
Saturday General Admission Early Bird ticket prices end this weekend!
Your chance to save ends this coming Sunday (30th November) at midnight when all Saturday General Admission tickets will move to full price.
If you’ve been planning to join us, now’s the perfect time to lock in your spot at the lowest available price.
Get ready, our Black Friday event is almost here with up to 50% off a huge range of products! This year’s sale runs from 24th November to 2nd December and features savings on RIAT25 merchandise and much more.
Whether you’re treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift, this is your chance to grab fan favourites at their best prices of the year. Stock is limited, and once these offers go live, they won’t stick around for long.
Stay tuned and keep an eye on our socials – Black Friday starts soon, and you won’t want to miss it.
Viewing Village Garden – don’t miss out on the best savings!
Viewing Village Garden Saturday tickets are currently 5% off, but only until midnight on Sunday 23rd November.
Once the offer ends, these tickets will go to full price. Book now to secure your place at the best price available now!
We’re excited to share our latest collection of seasonal products, available from the RIAT Shop!
From calendars and festive cards to stylish apparel and unique decorations, our new range has something for everyone this period.
Be among the first to enjoy our newest arrivals – shop your Christmas favourites today or pre-order to secure yours before they sell out.
Looking for smaller gifts? Explore our Gifts & Accessories collection, filled with great ideas for stocking fillers and thoughtful presents.
Shop now and make this festive season extra special.
Upcoming price changes
Don’t miss your opportunity to secure two of our most popular Saturday enclosures at a special 5% discount – but hurry, these savings are ending soon!
Viewing Village Grandstand – Saturday
Enjoy 5% off until midnight on Sunday 2nd November, when the price will return to full rate.
Cotswold Club – Saturday Save 5% until midnight on Tuesday 4th November, after which this option will also revert to full price.
Next summer a series of fast jets will soar through the Gloucestershire skies as the Royal International Air Tattoo confirms next year’s show theme is ‘Fighter Meet’.
Every July, RAF Fairford transforms into a hive of activity as the Royal International Air Tattoo attracts thousands of visitors to the Cotswolds for the aviation showcase. This year, event organisers announced the show had attracted a record crowd of over 178,000 people, following a year that saw ticket sell at a record pace for the third year in a row.
RIAT26 will have an operational theme of ‘Fighter Meet’ highlighting the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and hope to include examples of modern fighter aircraft used across the globe. In addition, 2026 also marks 30 years since Royal status was granted to the event, and in recognition of this next year’s event will have a sub-theme of Royal Flight, which will be marked with a gathering of aircraft used for VIP transportation.
Speaking on the theme announcement, Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch said: “Our Fighter Meet theme is an exciting opportunity to showcase a myriad of aircraft types, particularly fast jets, which are always popular with our visitors. As always, our aspiration is to provide an eclectic mix of aircraft from around the world for our visitors to view in July.”
All proceeds from the annual aviation showcase are donated to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), whose purpose is to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.
In the last three years, grants from the charity have enabled over 750,000 young people aged 5 – 25 years to be engaged in STEM activities, which have been delivered by leading UK charities and powered by the airshow’s sustained popularity. In addition, the show’s flagship ground attraction, the Techno Zone® will again be a hive of activity with a range of interactive activities for entertain visitors of all ages. Aircraft participation is set to be announced early next year, with tickets available via www.AirTattoo.com.
In response to the acute STEM skills shortage facing the UK and building on the success of their Royal International Air Tattoo, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) grants have now enabled over 750,000 young people to be inspired via life changing STEM educational programmes delivered by some of the UK’s leading STEM education charities.
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), hosted annually at RAF Fairford, is delivered as a not-for-profit event and powers the RAFCT’s grant making. RAFCT invests in leading UK charities to help build the strategic delivery capacity the UK needs to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.
In 2022, the Gloucestershire based charity published its intention to reach 500,000 children by July 2026 but with more than a year to go they have now announced that they have already surpassed their target, much to the delight of Director Dr Kevin P Stenson.
He said: “The RAF Charitable Trust is uniquely positioned to enable young people aged 5-25 years to explore how STEM explains and shapes the world around them, and to inspire them to change the world by pushing boundaries in aviation and space exploration.
“We see the achievement of ¾ quarters of a million engagements as a launchpad for more collective action across the UK to help address the acute STEM skills shortage holding back the United Kingdom and preventing too many young people from fulfilling their potential.”
In support of the Trust’s purpose to promote the RAF and inspire young people, this year’s airshow saw over 178,500 people visit the event in what was its third successive sell out. The aviation showcase continues to grow, with 224 aircraft from 27 different nations on display in July including the Egyptian Air Force which became the 59th participating nation when they provided an aircraft for the first time this summer.
In addition to highlights in the air, the event also boasted plenty of STEM inspiration on the ground with the show’s Techno Zone® and Inspire Stage hosting exhibits from the aerospace industry plus inspirational sessions from the likes of British astronaut Tim Peake, TV’s Rachel Riley and everyone’s favourite, the iconic Red Arrows.
In addition to maintaining its current partnerships, RAFCT will provide grants to at least five new partners in the 2025/26 Academic Year.
“Thanks to the incredible support afforded by the public, UK and International Defence Air and Space, and of course the RAF, the Trust can be ever bolder in its ambition to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology,” he added.
As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, now is the ideal time to update your wardrobe with warm, practical layers.
The official RIAT merchandise collection offers a range of comfortable, high-quality products designed to keep you warm while you reminisce over another unforgettable year of RIAT.
Whether you’re layering up, cuddling up to a RIAT teddy bear, or keeping your pets warm – there’s something for everyone.
Explore all Merch HERE
Enclosure ticket price update – don’t miss out on the best savings!
Current Discount: 15%
New Discount (from midnight Sunday 12th October): 10%
This applies to Sunday Tickets:
• Aviation Club
• First Class Lounge
• Viewing Village Grandstand
Book before midnight on Sunday 12th October to secure the best price!
Book Tickets HERE
Whether you’re after a front-row seat to aircraft take-offs, a family-friendly space packed with activities, or an all-inclusive fine dining experience complete with a private garden, our wide range of enclosures and hospitality options have everything you need to elevate your RIAT26 experience.
Please note: Flight Deck on Saturday 10% off discount is ending Sunday at midnight! From Monday, it will be 5% off. Buy now for the best price.
Book your Enclosure Tickets HERE
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
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
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.”
