Royal International Air Tattoo sees bumper crowds for 2025 event

The Royal International Air Tattoo, which takes place annually at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, saw bumper crowds this year with over 175,000 people attending over the three days.

The crowds were treated to static and flying displays of aircraft from 27 different nations, with a combined aircraft participation of 227 aircraft.

Air Chiefs from 41 countries around the globe also attended the event, which saw military forces from around the world come together.

Speaking about the event, Chief Executive Officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: “We were delighted to welcome so many people to RAF Fairford for this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo.

“As always, I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing the event to life from the visiting crews, our hosts at the United States Air Force, our team of volunteers and of course our visitors.

“Plans for next year are already underway and we look forward to sharing them in the coming months.”

The 2025 event also saw several firsts with the RAF Red Arrows flying their displays using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for the first time and the RAF’s newest AEW aircraft, the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, making its first appearance at the Air Tattoo, taking part in the “Eyes in the Skies” theme.

In a historic first, the Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail AEW Mk1 performed its first ever flypast with the iconic Red Arrows (Image: Crown Copyright)
In a historic first, the Royal Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail AEW Mk1 performed its first ever flypast with the iconic Red Arrows (Image: Crown Copyright)

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) also took centre stage on the ground, intending to encourage the aviation engineers and designers of the future. This saw Astronaut Tim Peake and Countdown’s Rachel Riley appearing at the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust’s Inspire Stage.

Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Director, Dr Kevin P Stenson said: “I am incredibly proud to experience RIAT25 powering the dual purpose of the RAF Charitable Trust; the Promotion of the RAF, and the inspiration of young people to fulfil their potential in Air, Space and Technology.

“Highlights for me include the brilliant STEM role models in both Techno Zone® and on the Inspire Stage helping tens of thousands of young people to see that STEM is for them.

“I am indebted to everyone who supports the RIAT weekend, as this powers the Trust’s year-round, UK-wide, STEM programme.”

The Royal International Air Tattoo will return in 2026 from the 17th to the 20th of July.


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About Nick Harding 2277 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.