Aircraft from the U.S. Air Force, NATO allies and partner nations sit on display during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, on July 19, 2025. (Adam Enbal/U.S. Air Force)
The Royal International Air Tattoo, widely considered the world’s largest military airshow, has been canceled this year because of ongoing military operations at RAF Fairford tied to the war in Iran.
The base is one of several in the United Kingdom that the British government has allowed the United States to use for “defensive operations against Iran.”
The annual event, scheduled for July 17-19, typically draws more than 150,000 spectators and showcases airpower from around the globe.
“This has not been an easy decision,” organizers said in a statement posted Friday. “It follows extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force regarding uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, given the ongoing situation in the Middle East.”
Ticket sales for the event benefit the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, which promotes aviation and funds flying scholarships and programs in science, technology, engineering and math.
Italian aerial demonstration team Frecce Tricolori performs a close formation maneuver during a flight demonstration at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, on July 19, 2025. This year's iteration of the annual air show was canceled due to operations at Fairford tied to the war in Iran, organizers announced Friday. (Adam Enbal/U.S. Air Force)
Gavin Gager, chief executive of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said organizers were disappointed but focused on the future.
“We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027, and to making sure RIAT comes back stronger than ever,” Gager said.
Each year, various U.S. units take part in the airshow with flying and static displays, engaging with dozens of partner nations.
Aircraft in recent years have included the F-35 Lightning II, B-52H Stratofortress, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules, U-2 Dragon Lady and C-5M Super Galaxy.
At the 2007 show, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds met with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher after their performance.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds team poses for a photograph with former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher following the team’s performance at the Royal International Air Tattoo on July 14, 2007. The 2026 iteration of the popular air show was canceled Friday. (Sean Kimmons/Stars and Stripes)
RAF Fairford hosts a small, permanent U.S. Air Force presence led by the 420th Air Base Squadron, part of the 501st Combat Support Wing, and is regularly used as a forward operating location for U.S. strategic bomber deployments.
In March, the U.K. Defense Ministry said U.S. forces were using British bases to support operations tied to the conflict with Iran. Reuters published a photo of an American B-1 bomber preparing to land at RAF Fairford on March 6.
The base — which has an exceptionally long runway and extensive facilities, allowing it to host stealth bombers and massive aircraft — is the Air Force’s only European forward operating location for heavy strategic bombers.
The airshow’s organizers said the “huge logistical planning” required for the event made relocating it impractical.
Ticketholders will be contacted by the end of May and offered the option to roll over tickets to 2027, receive a full refund or donate the cost to the RAF Charitable Trust.
Organizers said the cancellation does not change the long-term direction of the event.
“RIAT remains firmly committed to its long-term mission,” the statement said. “This decision has been taken to help protect the future of the show.”
