World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Royal International Air Tattoo to move to Boscombe Down in 2027
The Royal International Air Tattoo will move from RAF Fairford to Boscombe Down in Wiltshire in 2027.
The military airshow has been held at Fairford for more than 40 years and draws visitors and aviation groups from around the world.
Organisers say the move is intended to secure the event’s long-term future and provide more certainty for visitors, volunteers and partners.
Boscombe Down is near Salisbury and offers space and flexibility for the show to develop.
The airshow also raises money for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which supports young people’s learning in science, technology, engineering and maths.
In 2025, RIAT helped fund more than 500,000 STEM engagements for young people across the UK.
The 2027 show is set to keep its previously announced dates of 16 to 18 July, and bookings will remain valid; more details are expected in the coming months.
The Royal International Air Tattoo will move from RAF Fairford to MOD Boscombe Down near Salisbury in 2027.
Organisers say the move is intended to secure the airshow’s long-term future and support its growth.
The 2027 event will keep its previously announced dates of 16-18 July.
RAFCTE will remain based in Fairford and says it remains committed to the town and surrounding community.
The airshow supports the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which funds education and engagement in air, space and technology.
- Who
- The Royal International Air Tattoo’s organisers, Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, announced the move.
- What
- The airshow will relocate from RAF Fairford to MOD Boscombe Down.
- When
- From 2027. The 2027 event is scheduled for 16-18 July.
- Where
- MOD Boscombe Down near Salisbury, Wiltshire.
- Why
- Organisers say the move will secure the show’s long-term future and support its growth. RAF Fairford’s future availability has become increasingly uncertain.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
RAF Fairford hosted the Royal International Air Tattoo.
The event helped fund more than 500,000 STEM engagements for young people across the UK.
Organisers announced that the airshow would move to MOD Boscombe Down from 2027.
The first RIAT at MOD Boscombe Down is scheduled to take place.
- New venue
- MOD Boscombe Down near Salisbury
- First year at new venue
- 2027
- 2027 event dates
- 16-18 July
- Previous venue
- RAF Fairford
- STEM engagements funded in 2025
- More than 500,000
3 sources
What people are saying
The decision to move RIAT to Boscombe Down is about much more than a new location. It is about securing the future of the world’s greatest military airshow and the charitable impact it generates for future generations.
Boscombe Down gives us the opportunity to build on everything that makes RIAT special.
Above all, it provides greater certainty for the thousands of participants, partners, volunteers, supporters and visitors who all make the Air Tattoo such a special event each year.
This is fantastic news for Wiltshire.