The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), Fairford, Gloucestershire, has announced that the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will move from RAF Fairford to MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire for RIAT27 and future editions, bringing more than four decades at its Gloucestershire home to an end. The decision follows continued uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, which led to the cancellation of RIAT 2026. The base had been activated by the U.S. Air Force as a forward operating location for Boeing B-52H Stratofortress and Rockwell B-1B Lancer heavy bombers involved in U.S. operations connected with the war in Iran. Organizers cancelled the show in May following discussions with the Royal Air Force and the U.S. Air Force. The event typically attracts around 150,000 visitors, and ticket holders were offered the option of transferring their bookings to 2027.
RAFCTE said MOD Boscombe Down offers the space, capability and flexibility needed to support the show’s future. The move is also expected to strengthen international participation and allow organizers to introduce new attractions. Further details about RIAT27, including participating aircraft and international delegations, are expected over the coming months. Although flying operations will move to Wiltshire, RAFCTE will retain its headquarters in Fairford. Ticket sales will continue to support the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which delivered more than 500,000 STEM engagements for young people across the UK in 2025. Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, welcomed the decision, saying: “RIAT showcases the very best of British and international aviation – inspiring thousands of young people to consider a future in air, space and technology.” He added, “I’m delighted it has a new home at MOD Boscombe Down, a site with a proud history in aviation and innovation.”
(Image credit: RIAT)
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, also reflected on the event’s long association with RAF Fairford and the people who helped make it possible. He 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.” He further added, “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.”
(Image credit: RIAT)
Rupert Pearce, the UK’s National Armaments Director, said Boscombe Down was well placed to host the event’s next chapter. He said: “MOD Boscombe Down is perfectly placed to support the next chapter of RIAT’s success, providing a world-class environment that will enable the event to evolve and thrive for years to come. I am immensely proud to welcome the global aviation community to a NAD Group site at the forefront of UK defence and aerospace innovation, while helping to inspire future generations of pilots, engineers and innovators through the spectacle of cutting-edge aircraft.”
(Image credit: RIAT)
Air Marshal Phil Osborn, Chair of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, said the relocation would provide a foundation for the event’s long-term future while recognizing the contribution made by RAF Fairford and its surrounding community. He said: “For more than fifty years, RIAT has brought people together through a shared passion for aviation while supporting the charitable objectives of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust to promote the Royal Air Force and inspire future generations through air, space, and technology. This move to Boscombe Down provides the foundations needed to secure RIAT’s long-term future and strengthen its impact for decades to come. Every chapter in RIAT’s history has been built on the dedication of its participants, partners, volunteers and local communities. As we look ahead with confidence and ambition, we do so with enormous appreciation for the role RAF Fairford has played in helping make RIAT the remarkable event it is today.” The move brings an end to RIAT’s more than 40-year association with RAF Fairford, while establishing MOD Boscombe Down as the event’s new home from 2027. Organizers have yet to release further details about the arrangements for the first edition at the Wiltshire airfield. For more information about the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), visit www.airtattoo.com.
