The Royal International Air Tattoo has been cancelled for 2026 following uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford linked to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, the event’s organisers have announced.
The statement, published on the RIAT website, said the decision followed extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force regarding access to the Gloucestershire base, which serves as the event’s home. USAF units based at RAF Fairford have been heavily involved in operations linked to the Middle East crisis, with the base used to support long-range strike missions in the region.
Gavin Gager, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said the decision had not been taken lightly. “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 look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027, and to making sure RIAT comes back stronger than ever.”
Ticket holders will be offered the choice to roll their tickets over to RIAT 2027, receive a full refund, or donate the cost of their tickets to the RAF Charitable Trust.
RIAT is the world’s largest military airshow, typically drawing around 150,000 visitors over its annual summer weekend at Fairford. The event raises funds for the RAF Charitable Trust and has been held annually since 1971, with cancellations rare and previously limited to exceptional circumstances including the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
Well that’s a fucking bore… Wonder what the Govt’s response to this will be, since it’s not a small event and the amount of business lost for many smaller places will be quite bad.
They have already won…. It will be over soon….or something of that nature *add other Trumpism for effect*
Shame. But not surprising. Been going for years.Still a great show. You can get a full refund or carry it over to 2027.