RAF

An exciting new chapter: Why RIAT moved from RAF Fairford to MOD Boscombe Down

Jonathan Moynihan

5th November 2026 at 1:00pm

The Red Arrows have performed regularly at RIAT, like at the event a year ago (Picture: MOD)

Thousands of spectators come to the airshow to gather around the aircraft and to look at them (Picture: MOD)

The event's international nature can be seen by the flags on these aircraft (Picture: MOD)

The Army Air Corps Apache Display Team perform their grand finale of their display: the wall of fire (Picture: MOD)

RIAT showcases the past, present and future of the RAF's 617 Squadron, with a Lancaster, Tornado GR4 and F-35 Lightning conducting a flypast in 2018 (Picture: MOD)

Hundreds of aircraft, such as this Ukrainian SU-27, from around the world are usually on display during the three-day event (Picture: MOD) — Hundreds of aircraft, such as this Ukrainian SU-27, from around the world are usually on display during the three-day event (Picture: MOD

A RAF C-17 Globemaster on the tarmac at RIAT in 2023 (Picture: MOD)

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has moved to MOD Boscombe Down for next year after the event was cancelled this year due to the military action in the Middle East.

The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), which runs RIAT, said the relocation was the "beginning of an exciting new chapter" for the event.

MOD Boscombe Down provides a platform for RIAT's future ambitions, offering the space, capability and flexibility needed to support the world's largest airshow, the RAFCTE said.

This year's event was cancelled because organisers said that there was uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford in light of the US operation against Iran.

The decision to cancel RIAT followed extensive discussions with the RAF and the US Air Force.

People who bought tickets to the 2026 event will have the option to roll them over to the 2027 show.

"Every generation of RIAT has had its defining moments, and I believe this is one of them," Gavin Gager, RAFCTE's chief executive, said.

"The decision to move RIAT to Boscombe Down is about much more than a new location. It is about securing the future of the world's greatest military airshow and the charitable impact it generates for future generations."

It is hoped that there will be more international participation, new attractions and an improved visitor experience by moving to Boscombe Down.

RIAT airshow continues despite strong winds and rain

RAFCTE will release more details about RIAT27, including aircraft participation, international delegations, attractions and visitor experience in the coming months.

The organisation will continue to be headquartered at RAF Fairford and is committed to the town and local community.

In 2020 and 2021, RIAT did not go ahead as planned due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"For more than 50 years, the Royal International Air Tattoo has brought together air forces, industry and aviation enthusiasts from around the world, creating a unique opportunity to showcase the very best of military aviation and to strengthen our international partnerships," Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, said.

"The Royal Air Force looks forward to continuing its long-standing partnership with the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and supporting future editions of RIAT for many years to come."

RIAT is the world's largest airshow, with roughly 170,000 visitors attending the event.

Hundreds of aircraft from around the world are usually on display during the three-day event.

MOD Boscombe Down, which was founded in 1917, has specialist test facilities, and the military aircraft Test and Evaluation is based there.