The Royal International Air Tattoo

History and origin

The first Air Tattoo was staged at North Weald Airfield, Essex, in 1971. It was founded by Paul Bowen and Timothy Prince, both Civil Aviation Authority air traffic controllers, and Air Marshal Sir Denis Crowley-Milling. From 1973 onwards the event moved between venues including RAF Greenham Common before settling at RAF Fairford in 1985. In 1996 Queen Elizabeth II granted royal recognition to the event, renaming it the Royal International Air Tattoo and cementing its status as the premier military airshow in the world. The Guinness World Records recognised RIAT 2003 as the largest military airshow ever staged, with 535 aircraft in attendance.

The 2027 edition: return after cancellation

RIAT will not take place in 2026. The cancellation was announced after extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force regarding access to RAF Fairford, given the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The show is confirmed to return for its 2027 edition from 16-18 July 2027. Ticket sales for RIAT27 will open later in 2026; interested visitors are advised to subscribe to the official newsletter and social channels at airtattoo.com for the on-sale announcement. RIAT25 (July 2025) ran across three days with close to 170,000 visitors and more than 22,000 hospitality guests.

Where RIAT sits in the defence calendar

RIAT is the largest military airshow in the world by visitor numbers and aircraft count. It is held in the same summer window as other major European air events and sits between the biennial Farnborough International Airshow (which alternates years with RIAT as headline UK aviation events) and Le Bourget in France. For the air defence industry, RIAT provides a different proposition to trade shows: it is primarily a public airshow with a strong B2C attendance, but its Techno Zone and industry hospitality areas give aerospace and defence companies a concentrated networking and branding platform. RIAT shares the late-July window with Berlin Air Show in biennial years.

Who attends RIAT

RIAT's 170,000 visitors include a broad general public drawn by the flying displays, combined with a significant aerospace and defence professional segment. Hospitality packages accommodate over 22,000 guests across the three days in enclosures ranging from the Aviation Club to the First Class Lounge and the Altitude package. Military representation is extensive: aircraft from around 30 nations participate, and the event is attended by senior air force officers, procurement officials, and diplomats. The Techno Zone attracts manufacturers and technology companies showcasing aviation and defence products. Hundreds of volunteers support the event, and a dedicated aircrew liaison function manages the international military flight crews.

What the RIAT format includes

RIAT runs across three days with different programme structures by day. Friday features a four-hour-plus flying display; Saturday and Sunday each deliver a seven-hour-plus flying display. The ground experience includes:

• Static aircraft park: hundreds of aircraft on display for up close inspection, representing nations from across NATO and beyond.
• Techno Zone: a branded area for aerospace and defence technology companies to showcase products and services, also featuring youth STEM engagement activities.
• Take Off Zone: interactive experiences for younger visitors.
• RAF Experience: British Royal Air Force heritage and current capability showcases.
• Hospitality enclosures: nine named packages from general admission to the Altitude premium offering, including Aviation Club, Cotswold Club, Flight Deck, Lightning Pavilion, First Class Lounge, Viewing Village Grandstand, and Viewing Village Garden.
• Camping: official RIAT camping adjacent to the showground.
• Transport: free Park and Ride from South Cerney; shuttle buses from Swindon Bus Station and Cheltenham Racecourse.

What RIAT covers

RIAT's thematic content is defined by aviation and air power rather than a narrow procurement agenda:

• Military fast jets and combat aircraft from NATO and allied nations
• Heritage and historic aircraft
• Civil aviation and aerobatics
• STEM and aerospace career inspiration for young audiences
• Latest aviation and defence technology (Techno Zone)
• Multinational military cooperation and alliance display flying

The 2025 edition in numbers (organiser-declared)

The venue: RAF Fairford

RAF Fairford is a Royal Air Force station in Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4RB, situated in the Cotswolds approximately 75 miles west of London. It is home to the 420th Air Base Wing of the United States Air Force in Europe and has one of the longest runways in the UK (3,048 metres), capable of accommodating the largest military aircraft. The showground occupies a large section of the airfield and surrounding land. By car, RAF Fairford is accessible from the M4 (junction 15) and A417. Free Park and Ride is available from South Cerney; shuttle buses operate from Swindon Bus Station and Cheltenham Racecourse. Overnight accommodation is available at official RIAT camping and in surrounding towns (Cirencester, Swindon, Cheltenham).

The organiser: Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises

The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises is the commercial arm of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, registered charity 1176054 in England and Wales. Its headquarters is at Douglas Bader House, Horcott Hill, Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4RB. The trust uses revenues generated by RIAT and associated commercial activities to fund programmes that inspire young people through aviation and support serving and former RAF personnel. The RIAT name, logo, and Techno Zone name and logo are registered trademarks of the organisation. Principal sponsor for the 2025 edition was Breitling (as title sponsor) and BAE Systems.

First time at RIAT? How to prepare

• Book transport with your ticket. RAF Fairford is rural and has no direct rail link; shuttle bus seats must be reserved at the time of ticket purchase. The Park and Ride from South Cerney is free but requires early arrival. Driving and parking without a pre-booked space can result in significant delays; plan in advance.
• Arrive early, especially on Saturday and Sunday. The seven-hour flying display on the main days means gates open well before the programme starts. Arriving in the first hours gives the best access to static aircraft, shorter queues, and time to orient yourself on a large showground.
• Download the RIAT app. The official app carries the flying display schedule, aircraft maps, and real-time updates. Programme order and aircraft can change; the app is the fastest way to track changes on the day.
• Book hospitality if networking is a priority. The nine hospitality enclosures are where aerospace industry professionals concentrate. General admission gives access to the displays but the enclosures are where structured networking with manufacturers, procurement officials, and air force representatives happens. Book early as packages sell out well in advance.
• Dress for Cotswold summer weather. Conditions in July at Fairford can range from hot sun to rain; bring layers and sun protection. The showground is largely unsheltered. Comfortable walking shoes are essential; the static display park alone covers considerable distance.
• Plan which aircraft to photograph or inspect. The static park contains hundreds of aircraft; without a plan, the day fills quickly before you have seen what matters most. Review the confirmed aircraft list on airtattoo.com in advance and map a route.