--- eventsindex_id: "EI-06081" slug: the-royal-international-air-tattoo title: "The Royal International Air Tattoo" title_alt: ["RIAT", "Air Tattoo", "RAF Fairford Airshow"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/the-royal-international-air-tattoo.html" next_edition_year: 2027 date_start: "2027-07-16" date_end: "2027-07-18" venue: "RAF Fairford" city: "Fairford, Gloucestershire" country: "United Kingdom" organiser: "Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises" organiser_url: "https://www.rafct.com" b2b: false vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry] format: [airshow, exhibition] purpose: [education, networking, innovation] geography_scope: [global] season: summer meta_description: "RIAT, 16-18 Jul 2027, RAF Fairford UK: world's largest military airshow, ~170,000 visitors, 200+ aircraft from ~30 nations, powering the RAF Charitable Trust." editorial_take: "The world's benchmark military airshow: nowhere else do 170,000 spectators and NATO's air chiefs share the same three days of runway at a working RAF station." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 40/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # The Royal International Air Tattoo > *The world's largest military airshow, held over three days each July at RAF Fairford in the Cotswolds, UK. RIAT brings together approximately 170,000 visitors, 200 or more military and civilian aircraft from around 30 nations, and representatives of air forces across the NATO alliance and beyond. Run by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, it is both a public spectacle and a serious venue for air industry networking. The 2026 edition was cancelled; the next edition is 16-18 July 2027.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **16-18 July 2027** | **RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire** | **RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises** | **~170,000 visitors** | | 3 days, annual (2026 cancelled) | Fairford, United Kingdom | Registered charity (1176054) | 200+ aircraft, ~30 nations | --- ## Definition The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is the world's largest military airshow, held annually in July at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England. The event is organised by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, a registered charity (England and Wales, no. 1176054) that uses the proceeds to support the RAF Charitable Trust and its work inspiring young people through aviation. RIAT has been running for over 50 years. The 2026 edition was cancelled due to uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford linked to the military situation in the Middle East; RIAT returns 16-18 July 2027. RIAT attracts around 170,000 visitors and typically features more than 200 aircraft from approximately 30 nations over the three days. ## 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)* | | | |---|---| | Visitors | ~170,000 | | Hospitality guests | ~22,000 over 3 days | | Flying display (Fri) | 4+ hours | | Flying display (Sat/Sun) | 7+ hours each day | | Nations represented (2024 reference) | ~30 | | Aircraft (2024 reference) | 248 | | Satisfaction rating | 90%+ rated "very good" or "good" | | 2026 edition | Cancelled | | Next edition | 16-18 July 2027 | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Why was RIAT 2026 cancelled? The cancellation was announced following extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force about access to RAF Fairford, due to the ongoing military situation in the Middle East. The 2027 edition is confirmed. Existing RIAT26 ticketholders were offered cancellation options via airtattoo.com. ### Is RIAT only for aviation enthusiasts? RIAT is primarily a public airshow that welcomes all visitors, but it also functions as a significant industry and networking event through its Techno Zone and hospitality packages. Defence manufacturers, procurement officials, air force personnel, and aerospace companies all attend alongside the general public. ### Is RIAT a trade show? Not in the conventional sense. It does not operate as a closed trade-only event; the exhibition element (Techno Zone) runs alongside a mass public airshow. Companies seeking a primarily B2B aviation and defence trade event may also attend Farnborough or Paris in parallel. --- ## 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. --- ## Editorial take *The world's benchmark military airshow: nowhere else do 170,000 spectators and NATO's air chiefs share the same three days of runway at a working RAF station.* --- ## How to register and what it costs General admission tickets for RIAT27 will go on sale later in 2026; check airtattoo.com and subscribe to the official newsletter for the on-sale date announcement. Tickets are available in several tiers: - **General Admission** (standard day ticket for flying display and static aircraft, required as a base for any hospitality upgrade) - **Hospitality Packages** (nine tiers including Aviation Club, Cotswold Club, Family Enclosure, First Class Lounge, Flight Deck, Lightning Pavilion, Viewing Village Garden, Viewing Village Grandstand, Altitude; prices vary by day and package) - **Friends of RIAT (FRIAT):** membership scheme with priority booking benefits - **Park and View Tickets** - **Gift Vouchers** Pricing for RIAT27 had not been released at time of verification (June 2026). ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### How do I get to RAF Fairford? By car: from the M4 take junction 15, then A419 and A417 towards Fairford. Official Park and Ride operates from South Cerney (free). Shuttle buses run from Swindon Bus Station and Cheltenham Racecourse; seats must be booked when purchasing tickets. There is no direct rail connection to Fairford; the nearest mainline stations are Swindon and Kemble. ### Can I camp at RIAT? Yes. Official RIAT Camping is available adjacent to the showground. Details and booking are via airtattoo.com. ### Are there accessibility provisions? Yes. RIAT publishes detailed accessibility and disabled visitor information on the official website at airtattoo.com/the-airshow/plan-your-visit/accessibility/. --- ## 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. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://www.airtattoo.com/ | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-royal-international-air-tattoo/ | | X | https://x.com/airtattoo | | Register / Tickets | https://www.airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/ | | Programme / Aircraft updates | https://www.airtattoo.com/the-airshow/aircraft-and-pilots/aircraft-updates/ | | RAF Charitable Trust | https://www.rafct.com/ | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2026-09-10 **Notes:** Data sourced from airtattoo.com and Wikipedia fetched 2026-06-10. RIAT26 was formally cancelled; RIAT27 dates confirmed as 16-18 July 2027. Ticket pricing for RIAT27 not released at time of verification. Attendance figures (170,000 visitors, 22,000 hospitality guests) are organiser-declared for RIAT25. Aircraft count (248, 30 nations) is from RIAT24 as organiser-declared reference; RIAT25 specific aircraft count not confirmed. The b2b field is set to false as RIAT is primarily a public airshow, though significant industry activity takes place. **Variables:** 40/58 **Concept definition:** applicable