The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is to relocate from RAF Fairford to MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, with the new venue set to host the 2027 event and all future editions of the world’s largest military airshow.
The announcement was made by Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), the organisation responsible for staging RIAT, marking a significant change for the long-running event following more than four decades at RAF Fairford.
The move is being described as a new chapter in RIAT’s history, providing additional space, capability and flexibility to support the airshow’s ambitions for future growth. Organisers say the new location will create opportunities to expand aircraft participation, increase international involvement, introduce new attractions and further improve the visitor experience.
While the relocation represents a major change for the event, RAFCTE says its wider charitable mission will remain central to RIAT’s future. Every ticket sold contributes towards the work of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), which supports educational initiatives and inspires young people through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as aviation and space-related programmes.
The importance of the airshow’s charitable contribution was highlighted by figures from 2025, when the success of RIAT helped the RAFCT deliver more than 500,000 STEM engagements with young people across the United Kingdom.
Gavin Gager, Chief Executive of RAFCTE, said the decision to relocate was about securing the long-term future of both the airshow and the charitable work it supports.
“Every generation of RIAT has had its defining moments, and I believe this is one of them.
“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.”
Gager added that Boscombe Down would provide an opportunity to build on the event’s established reputation while developing new experiences for visitors and attracting leading air arms and aircraft from around the world.
The relocation also brings RIAT to a site with a significant aviation heritage. MOD Boscombe Down has long played an important role in British military aviation, particularly in aircraft testing and evaluation, making it a notable new home for an event that celebrates the development and capabilities of military air power.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, welcomed the move and paid tribute to RAF Fairford and its personnel for their contribution to RIAT over the past 40 years.
He said: “For more than 50 years, the Royal International Air Tattoo has brought together air forces, industry and aviation enthusiasts from around the world, creating a unique opportunity to showcase the very best of military aviation and to strengthen our international partnerships.”
Sir Harv also recalled his own early involvement with the event, having worked on RIAT’s air display operations desk at RAF Fairford during the summer of 1991, shortly after being commissioned as an RAF officer.
He said the support provided by RAF Fairford and its personnel had been exceptional throughout the years, adding that the RAF looked forward to continuing its partnership with RAFCTE as the event moves to its new home.
The announcement also carries significance for the local communities around both locations. Wiltshire Council Leader Cllr Ian Thorn described the decision as fantastic news for the county, highlighting the potential benefits for tourism, local businesses and the wider visitor economy.
However, RAFCTE has stressed that its relationship with Fairford will continue. Although RIAT’s flying operations will transfer to MOD Boscombe Down, the organisation will retain its headquarters in Fairford and remain committed to the town, its residents and the surrounding region.
RAF Fairford, the United States Air Force and the local community have all been recognised for their contribution to making RIAT one of the world’s leading aviation events.
With the relocation now confirmed, attention will turn towards preparations for RIAT27, the first edition to take place at MOD Boscombe Down. RAFCTE says further details will be released over the coming months, including information on participating aircraft, international delegations, attractions and visitor experiences.
The move represents one of the most significant developments in RIAT’s history, with organisers now looking to establish a new home for the event while preserving the international standing and charitable purpose that have defined it for more than half a century.
RIAT: A history of changing homes
From its beginnings in Essex to its new home in Wiltshire.
- 1971–1972: North Weald, Essex – The first Air Tattoo was staged at North Weald in 1971, with around 100 aircraft participating. The event returned to the airfield in 1972.
- 1973–1983: RAF Greenham Common, Berkshire – The event moved to Greenham Common, providing additional space for aircraft and allowing the show to expand. The 1975 event was cancelled.
- 1985–1999: RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire – RIAT moved to RAF Fairford, which became its long-term home. The event adopted its Royal title in 1996.
- 2000–2001: RAF Cottesmore, Rutland – Temporary relocation while runway resurfacing and infrastructure work took place at RAF Fairford. The event returned to Fairford in 2002.
- 2002–2026: RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire – Fairford resumed its role as the permanent home of RIAT, hosting the event for more than two decades.
- Next chapter2027 onwards: MOD Boscombe Down, Wiltshire – RIAT will relocate to Boscombe Down for RIAT27, establishing a new permanent home for the event.