Royal International Air Tattoo to move from RAF Fairford to Wiltshire
Organisers say the move will secure the airshow's long-term future
Last updated 8 hours ago
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world's largest military airshow, is relocating from RAF Fairford to Wiltshire.
The airshow has been held at the airbase in the Cotswolds since 1985 and became an annual show in 1993.
The news of its move comes after the cancellation of the 2026 event over access to RAF Fairford, in light of the ongoing Middle East situation.
The airbase was being used by US bombers for operations in the war in Iran.
Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), which organises the event, has announced RIAT will permanently move to MOD Boscombe Down in Amesbury, Wiltshire, from next year.
RAFCTE said the move marks a new chapter for the event that has run for more than 50 years.
It added that the new site will creates opportunities to improve the visitor experience, strengthen international participation and introduce new attractions.
Every ticket sold for RIAT helps fund the work of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), which runs education and engagement programmes in air, space and technology.
RAFCTE said the success of RIAT in 2025 helped RAFCT deliver more than 500,000 STEM engagements for young people across the UK.
Gavin Gager, Chief Executive, RAFCTE, said:
"Every generation of RIAT has had its defining moments, and I believe this is one of them.
"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.
"What excites me most is not simply the move itself, but what it makes possible.
"Every year RIAT brings people together through a shared passion for aviation, while generating vital funding that enables the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust to inspire hundreds of thousands of young people through STEM engagement.
"That is the real legacy of this event, and it is why securing its future matters so much.
"Boscombe Down gives us the opportunity to build on everything that makes RIAT special.
"We have ambitious plans for the future and are determined to create an experience that continues to inspire visitors, attract the world's leading air arms and aircraft, and strengthen our charitable mission for decades to come.
"I want to pay tribute to RAF Fairford and the local community, whose support and partnership have helped make RIAT the success it is today.
"We will always be proud of that shared history.
"Now, we have the opportunity to write the next chapter. I cannot wait to welcome the world to RIAT27 at Boscombe Down and to share that journey with everyone who makes this extraordinary event possible."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force said:
“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.
"RAF Fairford has been at the heart of supporting Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises in delivering RIAT for the last 40 years, demonstrating the professionalism, innovation and collaboration that underpin air and space power today.
"My first role as a newly commissioned RAF Officer in the summer of 1991 was to work on RIAT’s air display operations desk at RAF Fairford – the support from the base and its team was superb then, and has been every single year since.
"I would take this opportunity to offer a personal thank you to every member of RAF Fairford who has supported RIAT so brilliantly over these many years – we simply couldn’t have asked for better."
As RIAT begins an exciting new chapter at MOD Boscombe Down, it will be based at a site with a rich aviation heritage and a proud history of supporting military aviation.
"This move secures the future of the airshow for decades into the future and enables the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust's important work to continue inspiring future generations.
"The Royal Air Force looks forward to continuing its long-standing partnership with Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and supporting future editions of RIAT for many years to come.”
Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said:
“This is fantastic news for Wiltshire. Bringing the Royal International Air Tattoo to Boscombe Down will put us on the national and international stage, attract thousands of visitors and provide a real boost for local businesses and our visitor economy. With Wiltshire’s proud military and aviation heritage, we could not be more excited to welcome this world-renowned event.”
"Over the coming months, RAFCTE will share further details of RIAT27, including aircraft participation, international delegations, attractions and visitor experiences.
"The countdown to the first Royal International Air Tattoo at MOD Boscombe Down has now begun, and RAFCTE looks forward to welcoming the global aviation community to what promises to be a historic and memorable occasion."