Royal International Air Tattoo 2026 cancelled amid Iran conflict
Air Tattoo will not go ahead in 2026
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford has been cancelled for 2026 because of the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
Organisers said the decision followed talks with the United States Air Force about uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, where the event is held each summer.
The air show, one of Gloucestershire’s largest annual events, has run for more than 50 years and can draw more than 170,000 visitors to the Cotswolds.
Organisers say event will return in 2027
Gavin Gager, chief executive of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCT), said cancelling the event was a difficult decision and that RIAT would return in 2027.
He said: "It’s just a phenomenal disappointment that I share with everybody that comes to RIAT because it’s that annual legacy of going there and making memories."
The 2026 event had been due to take place from Friday 17 July to Sunday 19 July.
Ticket holders offered options
People who bought tickets will be able to choose between a refund, rolling their tickets over to 2027, or donating the value of their ticket to the RAF Charitable Trust.
RAFCT said it was putting systems in place and asked ticket holders to bear with the organisation over the next week.
RIAT is a not-for-profit event, with profits donated to the RAF Charitable Trust.