Get ready for an unforgettable return to RAF Fairford from 16-18 July 2027. Experience spectacular flying displays, incredible aircraft, family entertainment, and the unique atmosphere that makes RIAT the world’s greatest airshow, all set against our Tiger Gathering theme for RIAT27. (More themes will be announced later this year – watch this space!).
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or planning an amazing day out with family and friends, RIAT27 is an event you won’t want to miss. There’s something for everyone, young or old, to enjoy.
Over 60,000 tickets have been rolled over to next year’s show after this year’s cancellation – thank you so much from everyone at RIAT HQ for your support and we look forward to being back bigger and better than ever in 2027!
Demand is expected to be high for the remaining tickets, so now is the perfect time to buy to ensure you don’t miss out.
Next summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is set to burst into life with colour, character and heritage as it announces ‘Tiger Gathering’ as one of its headline themes for 2027.
Marking 50 years since the Silver Tiger Trophy was originally presented by the International Air Tattoo to the NATO Tiger Association, RIAT27 will host a special anniversary gathering of NATO Tiger units. Visitors can expect a vibrant line-up of aircraft from across the alliance, many adorned in the striking tiger markings that have become a hallmark of this unique aviation community.
The NATO Tiger Association is renowned for its spirit of camaraderie, professionalism and creativity – with specially painted aircraft forming one of its most celebrated traditions. RIAT27 will bring this spectacle to life on a global stage, with a rare opportunity to see multiple tiger-themed aircraft displayed together.
Peter Reoch, Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: “The 50th anniversary of the Silver Tiger Trophy is a fantastic milestone and a brilliant opportunity for us to celebrate the heritage and enduring spirit of the NATO Tiger Association at RIAT.
“The Tiger Meet community is renowned for its energy, colour and personality. Bringing that to RIAT means our visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience – a ramp full of some of the most eye-catching military aircraft anywhere in the world.”
Each year, RIAT brings together over 200 aircraft and nearly 200,000 visitors from across the globe, offering an unforgettable day out for families and visitors of all ages. Beyond the spectacle, the event raises vital funds for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, supporting its mission to inspire young people in air, space and technology.
Tiger Gathering will be just one part of what promises to be an exciting and varied RIAT27 programme, with further themes and attractions to be announced later this year.
“It takes years of planning to deliver an event on the scale of RIAT,” added Peter. “Although RIAT27 may seem some way off, our team is already working hard to shape an exceptional show.
“Alongside Tiger Gathering, we have several other exciting themes in development, and we look forward to sharing more details as plans continue to take shape.” For more information, visit www.AirTattoo.com
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!
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
