The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world's largest military airshow, will move to MOD Boscombe Down in Amesbury, Wiltshire, from 2027 after more than four decades at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Organisers Royal Air Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) announced the decision on Wednesday, November 4, confirming RIAT27 will retain its planned dates of 16-18 July.
The move follows a comprehensive review of the show's future operating requirements, prompted by increasing uncertainty over RAF Fairford's availability as the United States Air Force supports operations in the Middle East. This year's event was cancelled due to ongoing operations at the base, which saw the arrival of dozens of U.S. aircraft.
Chief Executive of RAFCTE, Gavin Gager, called it a "defining moment," adding, "It is about securing the future of the world's greatest military airshow and the charitable impact it generates for future generations." The announcement highlighted the RAF Fairford air base and its surrounding community, emphasizing that the RAFCTE will continue to be headquartered at RAF Fairford.
RIAT is the primary revenue generator of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which contributed over 500,000 STEM-related interactions with young people in the UK during 2025. Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, who serves as the Chief of the Air Staff, described the move as taking place at "a location with rich aviation history."
Councillor Ian Thorn of Wiltshire Council, the council leader, commented: "This is wonderful news for Wiltshire." The event brings economic benefits to local firms through increased visitors. The RIAT was staged at Boscombe Down airfield in 1990 and 1992.
The festival is attended by over 170,000 people, and information regarding participating aircraft will be released shortly.