RIAT 2026 at RAF Fairford was cancelled (ops / Fairford access). Do not travel for the Tattoo this year; organisers plan RIAT 2027 at Fairford.
Dates, venue and tickets
| When | Cancelled for 2026 — planned return 2027 |
|---|---|
| Where | RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire |
| Adult ticket | To be announced |
| Official site | airtattoo.com |
About Royal International Air Tattoo
The Air Tattoo began at North Weald, Essex, in 1971, with just over 100 aircraft. Its founders were Paul Bowen and Tim Prince, both air traffic controllers, with Air Marshal Sir Denis Crowley-Milling. It moved to Greenham Common in 1973 and to RAF Fairford in 1985. It took its Royal title in 1996.
In 2003 Guinness World Records named it the largest military airshow ever, with 535 aircraft. In 1993 two Russian MiG-29s collided away from the crowd; both pilots ejected safely. The show was cancelled in 2008 for waterlogged ground, and in 2020 and 2021 for Covid-19. The 2026 show was cancelled over uncertainty about access to Fairford. Proceeds support the RAF Charitable Trust.
What to expect
- Three days, Friday to Sunday, with around 18 hours of flying.
- Display teams and solo military jets from around 30 nations.
- A large static park of visiting military aircraft.
- A yearly theme, such as air-to-air refuelling in 2023 and surveillance aircraft in 2025.
- General Admission covers the showground; enclosures and hospitality cost extra.
Getting there
- RAF Fairford is in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, near Cirencester.
- A free Fast-Track Park & Ride runs from South Cerney; checks are completed in advance.
- Shuttle buses run from Swindon Bus Station and Cheltenham Racecourse; book seats with your tickets.
- Car, train, coach and cycling routes are on the How to Get Here pages at airtattoo.com.
Recent editions
| 2026 | Cancelled over uncertainty about access to RAF Fairford. |
| 2025 | 18–20 July. Theme ‘Eyes in the Skies’; public debut of the RAF’s E-7 Wedgetail. |
| 2024 | 19–21 July. Marked 50 years of the F-16 with a ‘Viper Line’ of 16 European jets. |
| 2023 | 14–16 July. Theme SKYTANKER23; rain and wind cut much of Friday and Saturday’s flying. |
| 2022 | Return after two Covid cancellations: 266 aircraft from 33 nations. |
Frequently asked
When is RIAT 2027?
Friday 16 to Sunday 18 July 2027, at RAF Fairford. Tickets are on sale at airtattoo.com. Organisers have also listed 14–16 July 2028.
Did RIAT go ahead in 2026?
No. The 2026 show was cancelled because access to RAF Fairford was uncertain. The Tattoo is due back at Fairford in July 2027.
Where is RIAT held?
At RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, its home since 1985. It moved to RAF Cottesmore in 2000 and 2001 while Fairford was redeveloped.