Royal International Air Tattoo moves to Boscombe Down in 2027

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will relocate from RAF Fairford to MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire from 2027, ending more than 40 years at its Gloucestershire home.

Organiser Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) confirmed the move on 4 November, confirming that the 2027 show will take place on 16–18 July, as previously scheduled.

The decision follows the cancellation of RIAT 2026 in May, when organisers cited uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford amid US Air Force operations linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

When the cancellation was announced, Gavin Gager, Chief Executive Officer of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, acknowledged the decision would disappoint the public. “It is a disappointment we feel just as strongly,” he said. “Looking ahead, we look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027, and to making sure RIAT comes back stronger than ever.”

Relocation provides greater certainty for RIAT

RAFCTE said the relocation would provide greater certainty for participants, partners, volunteers and visitors, while securing the event’s long-term future. 

“This decision follows a comprehensive review of the show’s future operating requirements and has been taken to protect, strengthen and secure the long-term future of RIAT,” an RAFCTE spokesperson said.

The organiser said Boscombe Down would offer opportunities to expand the visitor experience and international participation, and introduce new attractions. Details of aircraft participation and other arrangements for the 2027 event have yet to be announced.

“Every generation of RIAT has had its defining moments, and I believe this is one of them,” said Gager. “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.”

Boscombe Down has previously hosted major aviation events, including the Battle of Britain Airshow in 1990 and Air Tournament International in 1992, both organised by the Air Tattoo’s predecessor organisation.

Funding the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust’s STEM programmes

RIAT is a major source of funding for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which supports education and engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). According to the organisers, proceeds from the 2025 event helped fund more than 500,000 STEM engagements with young people across the UK.

“What excites me most is not simply the move itself, but what it makes possible,” Gager said. “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.”

“Fantastic news for Wiltshire”

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, described the decision to move the Air Tattoo to Boscombe Down as “fantastic news for Wiltshire.”

“[It] 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,” he added.

RAFCTE thanked the Royal Air Force, US Air Force and Fairford community for their support over more than four decades. Although future shows will take place at Boscombe Down, the organisation will retain its headquarters in Fairford.