The Royal International Air Tattoo, the military air show organised by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), is leaving its home at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The organisers have confirmed the show will move to MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, with the first event there running from 16 to 18 July 2027.
What Happened
RAFCTE announced the move on 4 November 2026. The show will be held at Boscombe Down for 2027 and future events, and the organisers say bookings made for the event remain valid. The show has been held at Fairford for more than 40 years.
The Key Development
The decision follows the cancellation of the 2026 show, which was called off because of uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. RAFCTE says the move is about securing the long-term future of the event. Chief executive Gavin Gager said: “It is about securing the future of the world’s greatest military airshow.”
Background
RAF Fairford has been used by the United States Air Force as a forward operating location for decades. This year US bombers were deployed there for operations against Iran. US and UK officials have said a suspected Iranian-backed plot targeted the base, and US bombers left Fairford in early October.
MOD Boscombe Down is about 45 miles south of Fairford. It is the UK’s home for military aircraft testing and evaluation, and there is no operational US Air Force presence there. RAFCTE will keep its headquarters in Fairford.
Organisers have not linked the move to the security situation. The decision was described as the outcome of a review of the show’s future operating requirements.
What Happens Next
Further details of RIAT 27 at Boscombe Down, including aircraft participation, transport and accommodation, are due to be announced in the coming months. The US Air Force has said it looks forward to remaining a key partner at the show.
This is a developing story, and we will update it as more details emerge.
