'Greatest' military air show leaves RAF Fairford

The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is moving from its home at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to a military base in Wiltshire, organisers have confirmed.

The military air show, which has been held at the base for more than 40 years, will now take place at the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) Boscombe Down from 16 to 18 July 2027 and for future events.

The move follows the cancellation of this year's show due to uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Gavin Gager, chief executive of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCT), said: "It is about securing the future of the world's greatest military airshow."

The air show at RAF Fairford attracted about 170,000 visitors.

Organisers said the decision to relocate was an "important step in securing the long-term future of RIAT" as well as "giving greater certainty for the thousands of visitors, volunteers, partners and supporters".

Mr Gager, said the move was about "much more than a new location".

"Boscombe Down gives us the opportunity to build on everything that makes RIAT special," he said.

"We have ambitious plans for the future and are determined to create an experience that continues to inspire visitors, attract the world's leading air arms and aircraft, and strengthen our charitable mission for decades to come."

He also paid tribute to RAF Fairford and the local community, "whose support and partnership have helped make RIAT the success it is today".

"We will always be proud of that shared history.

"Now, we have the opportunity to write the next chapter. I cannot wait to welcome the world to RIAT27 at Boscombe Down and to share that journey with everyone who makes this extraordinary event possible," he added.

RIAT said bookings will remain valid for the event at Boscombe Down.

The RAF's Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, said MOD Boscombe Down, has a "rich aviation heritage and a proud history of supporting military aviation".

"This move secures the future of the airshow for decades into the future and enables the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust's important work to continue inspiring future generations," he said.

Wiltshire Council leader Ian Thorn, said it was "fantastic news for Wiltshire".

"Bringing the Royal International Air Tattoo to Boscombe Down will put us on the national and international stage," he said.

"With Wiltshire's proud military and aviation heritage, we could not be more excited to welcome this world-renowned event."

RAF Fairford has been used as a forward operating location by the United States Air Force for decades.

The US flew bombers from RAF Fairford to the Middle East between March and October after the UK approved a US request to use it for defensive strikes on Iran.

At the beginning of the month, the US withdrew all of its bombers from the site, after police were alerted to three "suspicious vehicles" near the airbase.

Two British nationals appeared in court at the end of October in connection with an alleged Iran-linked plot.

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