Danish Seahawk debut and iconic fighters join the line-up
It’s been another busy week of planning for this year’s RIAT, including four more aircraft confirmed for the static display line-up!
Leading the way is a UK debut from the Royal Danish Air Force, bringing their Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk. This marks the first time this variant of helicopter has appeared at RIAT, making it a real highlight.
Our ‘Fighter Meet’ line-up also grows with three iconic additions. The desert-camouflaged Spitfire ‘LZ842’ making its RIAT debut, Mustang ‘Marinell’ and a Hawker Hunter, planned to be ‘ZZ191’ in striking splinter camouflage. With discussions with international air arms still ongoing, there’s more aircraft announcements coming soon – stay tuned!
Saturday and Sunday tickets are now at full price and are selling fast, but Friday still offers great early bird value – a perfect opportunity to enjoy the action for less.
Looking to elevate your visit? Explore our premium enclosure packages for a more exclusive RIAT experience. With many Saturday options already sold out, availability is limited, so don’t miss your chance.
Planning for RIAT26 this July is gaining momentum, and we’re thrilled to confirm that the Belgian Air Force will be bringing several aircraft to RIAT26 as they celebrate their 80th anniversary this year.
Making its RIAT flying display debut is the NHIndustries NH90 NFH, giving visitors the chance to see this modern maritime helicopter in action over RAF Fairford for the very first time, which will perform alongside Historic Helicopters’ Sea King to showcase past and present Belgian Search and Rescue.
On the static display, the Belgians will showcase a powerful trio of aircraft, including the Airbus A400M and iconic F-16BM Fighting Falcon (adorned in special colours for their 80th anniversary). Their Dassault Falcon 7X will also be joining the static park as part of this year’s ‘Royal Flight’ theme.
More aircraft announcements are on the way, so stay tuned as the RIAT26 line-up continues to grow. You can find full details on our website.
Discounts won’t be around forever, and tickets for the Royal International Air Tattoo are selling faster than they did last year. Secure yours today before prices rise or dates sell out.
While Saturday and Sunday general admission tickets are now at full price, you can still grab early bird ticket prices for Friday, making it the perfect chance to experience the excitement for less.
Saturday enclosures now 90% sold – be quick to secure your place! Want to make your day even more unforgettable? Discover our premium enclosure packages for an upgraded RIAT experience. On Saturday, the Aviation Club and First Class Lounge packages have already sold out, and all other enclosures are 90% sold – so act fast before they’re gone!
This week, we’re thrilled to confirm the first spectacular additions to the static display at RIAT26, perfectly in tune with this year’s ‘Fighter Meet’ theme!
Returning to dazzle the crowds, the Norwegian Historical Squadron brings the iconic Vampire FB.52, while Flying Legends roars in with their F4U Corsair.
The naval fighter showcase continues in style as Navy Wings takes to the skies with two classic aircraft – the nimble Supermarine Seafire XVII and the ever-charming North American Harvard IV.
These are just the first highlights. Check out our website for the full lineup so far and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Secure your tickets and upgrade for the ultimate experience
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning for the thrill of the airshow, general admission tickets give you full access to all the action. Want an even more exclusive view? Upgrade to one of our enclosures for premium seating, hospitality, and unbeatable vantage points over the flying displays.
Limited-time deals ending soon
Cotswold Club Friday: Enjoy 10% off now – drops to 5% off at midnight, Sunday 8th March.
Viewing Village Garden Friday: Grab 10% off today – reduces to 5% off at midnight, Tuesday 10th March. Act fast – these discounts won’t last!
90th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire celebrated this summer at Shuttleworth – Goal to have one of every airworthy mark of Spitfire currently in the UK at Shuttleworth’s Summer Air Show
Old Warden, 5 March 2026 – Thursday 5 March 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire, an aviation milestone that introduced one of the most influential fighter designs of WWII. To honour this extraordinary aircraft, Shuttleworth aims to assemble one example of every airworthy Spitfire mark currently in the UK at its Summer Air Show on Saturday 25 July 2026.
With its advanced aerodynamic design, elliptical wing, and exceptional performance envelope, the Spitfire gave the RAF a critical edge against the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain. On D-Day, the Spitfire played a pivotal role in securing Allied air superiority, providing essential fighter cover and helping ensure the success of the invasion that marked the beginning of Europe’s liberation from Nazi control. Throughout the war, the engineering of the Spitfire evolved to make it an even more powerful fighter, resulting in 24 marks being produced.
WWII veteran aircraft flying at Shuttleworth
Many of the exact Spitfires confirmed to be flying at Shuttleworth this summer saw real action in WWII, including:
• Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia N3200 was shot down during the evacuation of Dunkirk in May 1940 and had to ditch on Sangatte beach. It was recovered in 1986 and a restoration to airworthiness began in 2012 with the first post-restoration flight being in 2014. It is one of only five Mark Is still flying today.
• Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc AR501 was issued to both No 310 and No 312 (Czech) Squadrons during its active service and even escorted the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress ‘Memphis Belle’. This aircraft is part of Shuttleworth’s permanent collection.
• Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc MK912 served with No 312 (Czech) Squadron and was heavily involved in missions during the build-up and aftermath of the Normandy landings. Post WWII, it served with the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
• Both Supermarine Spitfire PR.XI PL983 and Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX PS853 in their distinctive PRU blue colours were used for photo reconnaissance, taking images behind enemy lines.
• Supermarine Seafire XVII SX336 was the naval equivalent of the Spitfire and is believed to have served with No 833 Naval Air Squadron.
The heroes behind the Spitfire’s success
The success of the Spitfire would not have been possible without its designer and test pilots. To celebrate the Spitfire’s designer, RJ Mitchell, Shuttleworth will be flying its de Havilland DH.60X which is the same model which Mitchell flew in to understand how f lying works.
Test pilot Alex Henshaw was known for his record-breaking flights pre-war and flight tested approximately 10% of all Spitfires and Seafires ever built. Shuttleworth owns the exact Percival Mew Gull which Henshaw broke the London to Cape Town record in, so will be flying this aircraft amongst other types he flew in his memory at this display.
James Butt, Air Displays and Aviation Coordinator at Shuttleworth, commented: “Ninety years ago, the Spitfire took to the air for the first time before becoming influential in the course of WWII. Its design and performance were exceptional for its time and remain impressive even today. The fact that visitors are still excited to see and hear a Spitfire flying at our air shows is a powerful reminder of its enduring legacy, and we’re proud to help preserve this history for future generations.”
It wouldn’t be RIAT without the Royal Jordanian Falcons and we’re thrilled to announce they’re soaring back to RAF Fairford with their four vibrant Extra 330LX aircraft. They’re officially our first international display team confirmed for this year’s flying display, it’s set to be spectacular!
Behind the scenes, talks continue worldwide, with interest building from Kuwait and South Africa for static displays.
Stay tuned for more announcements, more aircraft, and more reasons to get excited.
The Midlands Air Festival is extremely pleased to announce that the Grumman Turbo Firecat will be appearing at the festival with an amazing display and role demonstration of water bombing.
This aircraft started life as a Grumman Tracker, built for the Canadian Navy. It was then sold to be converted into a firefighting air tanker. It went on to Conair who upgraded it by removing the Wright Cyclone piston engines and replacing them with twin Pratt & Whitney turbine engines and five bladed props, giving the aircraft a better rate of climb and a combined power of 2040hp.
Flown by Nikash Coffin from France, who will be showing us what a Firetracker does best by dropping 3,395litres of water in a simulated firebombing run. Few of us will have seen an air tanker in operation and in the intimate surroundings of the Ragley Hall estate, we are all in for an unforgettable and spectacular experience. The Firetracker retains its Conair livery and operating number T15.
We run special evening events at numerous times throughout the year. Bike Nights, Classic Car nights, Clubs, Interest Groups etc.
New dates for the 2026 Season…
Classic Car Nights: 28/05, 25/06, 30/07, 27/08, 17/09 Bike Nights: 20/05, 17/06, 22/07, 19/08, 23/09
Everyone welcome to attend these free evening events. Come and see our Wing Hangar No 1 exhibits and our new MOZA Jet Provost Flight Simulator. All donations gratefully accepted.
It’s less than six months until RAF Fairford is transformed into a world-famous aviation showcase, and event organisers have announced the first participating aircraft.
A Finnish Air Force F-18 is the first aircraft to be confirmed for this year’s flying display, where the show will be highlighting the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and modern fighter aircraft used across the globe under its ‘Fighter Meet’ theme.
In addition, 2026 also marks 30 years since Royal status was granted to the event, and in recognition of this, the aviation showcase will have a sub-theme of Royal Flight, which will be marked with a gathering of aircraft for VIP transportation.
Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch said: “We are delighted to unveil the Finnish Hornet as our first participant for RIAT26 – this display is always well flown and is the perfect introduction to our Fighter Meet theme.
We are very busy working with Air Arms from around the world to attract an exciting assortment of aircraft to the show and we’re excited to start announcing these weekly as these are confirmed.”
In recent years the event has seen huge demand for tickets, with tickets being sold at record speed for three consecutive years.
This year, the event has already sold over 70,000 tickets and all proceeds are donated to its parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which aims to inspire young people and RAF personnel to reach their full potential in STEM, air and space.
Head of Charity Development, Hannah Langford said: “Every ticket purchased for the Royal International Air Tattoo plays a direct and powerful role in shaping young futures.
“Thanks to this support, we’re able to fund inspiring STEM experiences and skills development that open doors for young people aged 5 to 25 — especially those who might never otherwise see themselves in air, space or technology.
“When people come to RIAT, they’re not only enjoying an extraordinary aviation event; they’re helping us spark curiosity, build essential skills, and create opportunities for the next generation.” To buy tickets for this year’s show, visit www.airtattoo.com.
We think it’s time for the Midlands Air Festival to announce some rolling thunder of its own, so we are pleased to welcome the first appearance of the MiG 17F all the way from Poland! This aircraft will be flown and operated by Fubar aviation and will be the only airworthy MiG 17F in Europe.
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F is a Soviet-era swept-wing fighter, which was the first afterburner-equipped fighter in Soviet service (1953). Powered by a single Klimov VK-1F turbojet with afterburner producing 7452lbs of thrust it achieved speeds of 714mph and featured enhanced, stable manoeuvring capabilities over its predecessor, the MiG-15. It was armed with one 37mm and two 25mm cannons, 16 rockets or 1100lbs of bombs. Well over 6,000 Mig 17F’s were built and were used by 20 different air forces including Poland.
It will certainly create an impact and a whole lot of noise in the intimate surroundings of the historic Ragley Estate and will be another unforgettable ‘must see’ moment that the Midlands Air Festival is becoming famous for, making the show a brilliant family day out to chase the winter blues away.
With even more big announcements to come, tickets will be in short supply as we always sell out. Tickets especially for Saturday, premium car parking and seats in our crowd line enclosure are already low and are expected to run away now. Also don’t forget that children under 13 are still free. Spaces in our camp site are nearly all sold too. So don’t delay, shake a leg and get yours right now. Get tickets and more info at www.midlandsairfestival.com
With our first aircraft announcement taking off on Thursday 19th February, we caught up with the Air Operations team to bring you the latest update on preparations for RIAT26 so far.
Planning for this year’s show started long before RIAT25 even opened. Once our themes were confirmed, the team began building aircraft “wish lists” for both the flying and static displays – spanning military, commercial and privately operated aircraft from across the globe.
In September, the formal invitation process got underway, with letters sent to more than 100 Air Arms worldwide. Since then, the team has been meeting with International Air Attachés in London to share our vision for the show and champion the aircraft we’d love to see arriving at RAF Fairford this July.
There are already some exciting plans in motion, particularly around our Fighter Meet and Royal Flight themes. As always, our goal is to deliver an entertaining, varied and unforgettable line-up that offers something for every aviation fan at RIAT.
Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations, explained that: “The majority of militaries aren’t able to tell us what aircraft they plan to send to RIAT until the spring. Thankfully, some national planning cycles come sooner so we’re pleased to be able to start our weekly aircraft updates next week. As per usual, whilst we’ll start slowly, history tells us as the months pass, we’ll have more aircraft to announce as we get closer to the show. Generally, the more rare/exotic participants can’t be announced until much closer to the event, as we always wait until we have formal written confirmation of their attendance and all the arrangements in place before we add any aircraft to our participation list. I’m confident we’ll have an exciting mix of aircraft at RIAT26 for everyone to enjoy, thanks to the efforts of everyone at Douglas Bader House.”
