RIAT Permanently Relocates to MOD Boscombe Down From 2027

The Royal International Air Tattoo will leave RAF Fairford after decades at the Gloucestershire airbase, moving to MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire as part of an effort to secure the long-term future of the world’s largest military airshow.

The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) has announced on Nov. 4, 2026, that the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will relocate to MOD Boscombe Down, Wiltshire, from 2027. The move, described as an important step in securing the future of the event, follows the cancellation of the 2026 edition of RIAT due to the operational activities at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, as part of the U.S. war against Iran.

“This decision is an important step in securing the long-term future of RIAT, giving greater certainty for the thousands of visitors, volunteers, partners and supporters who make the event so special each year,” said the announcement.

RIAT to move to MOD Boscombe Down from 2027.

This decision is an important step in securing the long-term future of RIAT, giving greater certainty for the thousands of visitors, volunteers, partners and supporters who make the event so special each year.

Already booked your tickets? Your booking is unaffected and remains valid for RIAT at MOD Boscombe Down. If you have booked an enclosure, we’ll be in touch soon.

Find answers to frequently asked questions here: https://t.co/Cc54Blsruz

— Royal International Air Tattoo (@airtattoo) November 4, 2026

The decision nevertheless ends the long-standing association of the show with RAF Fairford. The base has been its home since 1985, well before the late Queen Elizabeth II granted the use of the “Royal” title in the show’s name.

MOD Boscombe Down is best known for its role as the tri-Service home of military aircraft Test & Evaluation activities in the UK. Among the programs which recently saw the involvement of Boscombe Down are the E-7A Wedgetail AEW Mk 1 of the Royal Air Force and the Boeing 757 Excalibur Flight Test Aircraft acting as an airborne demonstrator and flying laboratory for the communications equipment, radar, and other sensors under development for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Moving to Boscombe Down

According to the organizers, MOD Boscombe Down was selected following an extensive review and assessment that identified the site as meeting RIAT’s operational requirements. The team added that further details about the decision and the arrangements for the show at its new location are expected to be shared over the coming weeks and months.

An aerial view of RAF Fairford during RIAT. | Source: RIAT Facebook page At the same time, they also said the relocation is not intended to be a temporary arrangement. In fact, the organizers confirmed that MOD Boscombe Down will become RIAT’s new permanent home, with the event expected to retain the main attractions that have made it one of the world’s leading military aviation gatherings.

While the change of location might be unpopular among aviation enthusiasts, it is worth remembering that the work of the RAFCT goes beyond RIAT, and the organizers had to consider that too before taking the decision. In fact, as reminded in the announcement, “Every ticket sold helps fund the work of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), inspiring young people through education and engagements in air, space, and technology.”

“In 2025 alone, the success of RIAT helped RAFCTE deliver more than 500,000 STEM engagements for young people across the United Kingdom,” said the statement. “Securing the long-term future of RIAT therefore secures the future impact of the charity, enabling it to continue investing in educational programmes that inspire, engage and develop future generations.”

The statement explained that the new location provides the space, capability and flexibility required to support the event’s continued evolution. At the same time, it will create opportunities to enhance the visitor experience, strengthen international participation, introduce new attractions and engage even more people through the unique power of aviation.

The public watches as the first RAF E-7 Wedgetail and the Red Arrows fly over RAF Fairford. | Source: RIAT X page “Boscombe Down gives us the opportunity to build on everything that makes RIAT special,” said Gavin Gager, Chief Executive of RAFCTE. “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.”

While the airshow moves to its new home, RAFCTE will maintain its headquarters in Fairford, as well as its commitment to the local community. The organization also took time to pay tribute to the community, “whose support and partnership have helped make RIAT the success it is today.”

The Royal Air Force’s Chief of Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, supported the decision to move RIAT. Smyth also recalled his personal relation with the airshow, which was his first assignment as a newly commissioned RAF Officer in 1991, work on RIAT’s air display operations desk.

“As RIAT begins an exciting new chapter at MOD Boscombe Down, it will be based at a site with a rich aviation heritage and a proud history of supporting military aviation,” said Smyth. “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. The Royal Air Force looks forward to continuing its long-standing partnership with Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and supporting future editions of RIAT for many years to come.”

The first RIAT at MOD Boscombe Down is scheduled for July 16-18, 2027.