The Royal International Air Tattoo (R.I.A.T.) is held annually (next show: 17–19 July 2026) in support of The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom – home of the 420th Air Base Squadron.
The aspiration for RIAT 2026 is to deliver an eclectic mix of aircraft on both flying and static display. This aircraft participation list will be updated each Thursday, once written confirmation of aircraft participation has been received from the aircraft operator.
The key themes for this year’s 2026 Air Tattoo are ‘FIGHTER MEET‘, and ‘ROYAL FLIGHT‘.
This summer a series of fast jets will soar through the Gloucestershire skies as this year’s RIAT26 operational theme will highlight the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and hope to include examples of modern fighter aircraft used across the globe. In addition, 2026 also marks 30 years since Royal status was granted to the event, and in recognition of this next year’s event will have a sub-theme of Royal Flight, which will be marked with a gathering of aircraft for VIP transportation.
While it’s early days yet- the Finnish AirForce have confirmed their presence and will be returning to RIAT with their popular F/A-18C Hornet, performing in the flying display. This year’s display will be provided by Hävittäjälentolaivue 31 (Fighter Squadron 31).
Last year’s 2025 Eyes in the Skies’ theme will saw the Royal International Air Tattoo celebrate and highlight the vital role aviation plays across domains of aerial surveying, airborne early warning, maritime patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, signals intelligence and surveillance. At RAF Fairford they welcomed aircraft from around the world which have been modified and adapted for use on these specialised missions, in military and civilian operation for visitors to view. Literally Hundreds of aircraft, representing around 30 nations.
As the weeks progress we will be updating our page with new additions and confirmed aircraft and countries that will be attending- watch this space!
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is the world’s largest military airshow. A record crowd of nearly 200,000 people enjoyed a feast of flying at the 2023 Air Tattoo. In total, 302 aircraft, from the Air Force, Army, Navy, representing 27 nations attended the airshow. There’s such a vast array of aircraft that were either static or flying – from the latest of; U2, B-52, Osprey, F-15, F-16, F-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, C-17, KC-135, Harrier, Grippen, (helicopters) Chinook, Sea King, Apache, Mil Gunship, Tornado, C-130’s, F-4 Phantom, to the Hurricane, Spitfire, Lancaster, P-51 Mustang, Hawker Hunter, Meteor, Vampire and SO MUCH MORE – THE LIST GOES ON! Among the flying display highlights were a number of unique flypasts with the “star” of the show, a replica Messerschmitt Me 262, making its only flying appearance on Sunday.
Whether you want to fly straight into London and sight-see before or after the show, (the RAF Hendon Air Museum is a MUST!) hire a rental car or catch a train to Swindon (1hr 10min by rental car or 1hr 50min by train from Heathrow) then onto Fairford, we can tailor arrangements to your preference. We also have access to a number of accommodation options around Fairford to suit your budget and preference.
Many of England’s best-known tourist destinations are on the doorstep of RAF Fairford. The base is a gateway to the Cotswolds, an area that combines the harmony of nature and period architecture with major shopping centres, first-class sporting facilities and excellent restaurants.
The first Air Tattoo was staged in 1971 at North Weald airfield in Essex with just over 100 aircraft taking part. From these small beginnings the show became the International Air Tattoo in 1976, and recognition of its unique status was granted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1996. This is when the current Royal International Air Tattoo title was adopted.
From 1973 to 1983 the Air Tattoo was held at Greenham Common before moving to RAF Fairford in 1985.