Primarily a trade show with limited public days. Check which days are open to ticket holders before you book.
Dates, venue and tickets
| When | Typically mid-to-late July (even years) |
|---|---|
| Where | Farnborough, Hampshire |
| Adult ticket | £43.20 |
| Official site | farnboroughairshow.com |
About Farnborough International Airshow
The Society of British Aircraft Constructors held its first display at Hendon in June 1932. The show moved to Hatfield in 1938 and to Radlett in 1946–47. In 1948 it settled at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough. It ran every year until 1962 and has since been held in even-numbered years.
In 1952 a de Havilland DH.110 broke up during a display, killing 29 spectators and both crew. The accident reshaped British display safety rules. In 1958 the Black Arrows looped 22 Hunters in formation. The 2020 show was cancelled because of Covid-19. In 2019 organisers ended the public flying weekends, citing falling numbers and tighter rules.
What to expect
- A trade show first: exhibition halls, chalets and business meetings across five days.
- Flying displays by manufacturers and air arms, often featuring new types.
- A large static park of airliners, military aircraft and business jets.
- Limited public access: the 2026 public day, Pioneers of Tomorrow, sold out in advance.
Getting there
- Farnborough Main is about 35 minutes from London Waterloo; North Camp and Aldershot stations also serve the show.
- In 2026 free shuttle buses ran from all three stations to Gate B.
- By road, use M3 junction 4 or 4a and the A331.
- In 2026 free parking with shuttles was at Queens Parade, Aldershot.
Recent editions
| 2026 | 20–24 July, with a sold-out public day, Pioneers of Tomorrow. |
| 2020 | Cancelled because of Covid-19 — the first cancellation in the show’s history. |
| 2018 | The Ministry of Defence unveiled a full-scale model of the Tempest fighter concept. |
| 2016 | The F-35 Lightning II made its Farnborough debut. |
Frequently asked
When is the next Farnborough Airshow?
July 2028, on the even-year pattern. Exact 2028 dates were not shown on the official site in October 2026.
Can the public go to Farnborough Airshow?
Only on limited terms. Since 2019 it has been a trade event with restricted public access. In 2026 the public day sold out early.
Why did Farnborough stop its public weekends?
Organisers announced the change in 2019, citing falling visitor numbers and tighter regulation after the 2015 Shoreham crash.