The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is set to begin a new chapter in its history after organisers officially confirmed that the event will relocate from RAF Fairford to MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire for 2027 and future editions.
The announcement was made on 4 November 2026 by Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), the organisation responsible for staging the world-renowned military airshow.
One of the displays that has shown up well at RIAT, is the Spanish 9ª Escuadrilla EAV-8B Harrier. Iconic for the heavy landing at a wet RAF Fairford in 2023, and the raw power.
The move will bring an end to more than four decades of RIAT flying operations at RAF Fairford, which has hosted the event since 1985, apart from two years when the show temporarily moved to RAF Cottesmore.
Despite the change of venue, RIAT27 will retain its previously announced dates of 16–18 July 2027. The event will continue to bring together military aircraft, international air forces, display teams and aviation enthusiasts from across the world.
In its announcement, RAFCTE said:
“The move marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of the Royal International Air Tattoo and provides a strong platform for the continued growth, development and long-term success of the world's largest military airshow.”
The decision follows a review of the show's future operating requirements, with organisers looking to secure greater certainty for the event and its long-term future.
Why is RIAT moving from RAF Fairford?
RAF Fairford has been closely associated with RIAT since the event first arrived in Gloucestershire in 1985.
Over more than 40 years, the airfield has welcomed some of the world's most recognisable military aircraft, including strategic bombers, frontline fighters, transport aircraft and international aerobatic display teams.
However, the availability of RAF Fairford has become increasingly uncertain. RIAT26 was cancelled in May 2026 following discussions with the Royal Air Force and United States Air Force regarding access to the airfield amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
RAF Fairford is an important United States Air Force operating location, and uncertainty surrounding its availability created difficulties for the organisers when planning future editions of the event.
The relocation to MOD Boscombe Down is intended to provide a more secure operating location, allowing organisers to plan further ahead and develop the event without the same uncertainty surrounding access to its previous venue.
RAFCTE Chief Executive Gavin Gager described the decision as an important moment in the event's history, explaining that the move was about securing the future of RIAT and the charitable work it supports.
Why MOD Boscombe Down?
Located near Amesbury in Wiltshire, MOD Boscombe Down has a particularly significant place in British military aviation history.
The airfield first opened in October 1917 as a Royal Flying Corps training station. Following the Second World War, it became closely associated with aircraft testing and evaluation after the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) moved to the site in 1939.
Over the decades, Boscombe Down has played an important role in the development and assessment of numerous British military aircraft.
Its history includes testing and development work involving aircraft such as the English Electric Lightning's P.1 predecessor, the Folland Gnat, Hawker Hunter prototype and BAC TSR.2.
Today, MOD Boscombe Down remains a major centre for military aircraft testing and evaluation, with specialist facilities supporting flight trials, engineering and technical assessments.
The site also has previous experience hosting large aviation events. It staged the 50th anniversary Battle of Britain airshow in 1990 and Air Tournament International in June 1992.
Its established aviation infrastructure, extensive facilities and long association with military aircraft testing make it a significant new location for RIAT.
Organisers have stated that Boscombe Down provides the space, capability and flexibility needed to support the show's future development, with opportunities to enhance the visitor experience, attract greater international participation and introduce additional attractions.
What happens to RAF Fairford?
Although RIAT's flying operations will move to MOD Boscombe Down, RAF Fairford will continue to play an important part in the organisation's history.
RAFCTE has confirmed that its headquarters will remain in Fairford and that it will continue its commitment to the town, its residents and the surrounding region.
Organisers have also acknowledged the contribution made by RAF Fairford, the United States Air Force and the local community over more than four decades.
Without their support, RIAT would not have developed into the internationally recognised event it is today.
The relocation therefore represents a change of venue rather than an end to the relationship between the organisation and Fairford.
A new chapter in RIAT's history
The Royal International Air Tattoo has operated from several locations since its beginnings in 1971.
Its first event was held at North Weald in Essex, with just over 100 aircraft taking part. The show subsequently moved to RAF Greenham Common in 1973, where it continued to grow and attract international participation.
In 1985, the event relocated to RAF Fairford, which became its long-term home. The Royal title was granted in 1996, establishing the name Royal International Air Tattoo that is recognised today.
The event also temporarily moved to RAF Cottesmore in 2000 and 2001 while runway resurfacing work took place at Fairford, before returning in 2002.
The move to MOD Boscombe Down in 2027 will therefore represent another significant change in the show's history, and its first new permanent home in more than four decades.
RIAT is also an important source of funding for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust. Every ticket sold helps support its educational work, inspiring young people through aviation, space and technology.
In 2025 alone, the success of RIAT helped fund more than 500,000 STEM engagements with young people across the United Kingdom.
Securing the future of the event will therefore also help protect the charitable work that has been central to its purpose for more than 50 years.
What can visitors expect from RIAT27?
The first Royal International Air Tattoo at MOD Boscombe Down is scheduled to take place from 16–18 July 2027.
The familiar combination of flying displays, static aircraft exhibitions and international military participation is expected to remain at the heart of the event.
However, further information regarding aircraft participation, international delegations, visitor attractions and the new showground arrangements is still to be announced.
Organisers have indicated that the new location will provide opportunities to develop the visitor experience and introduce additional attractions in future years.
Transport arrangements, accommodation and other practical details are also being developed as preparations continue.
The relocation will undoubtedly bring changes for regular RIAT visitors, particularly those who have travelled to RAF Fairford for many years. Further information from the organisers will be important as visitors begin planning their journeys to Wiltshire.
