Royal International Air Tattoo moves to Boscombe Down from 2027

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 13:58 · Archive

The world's largest military airshow will move to MOD Boscombe Down from 2027, ending more than 40 years at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The move has sparked both excitement and concern across the Salisbury area, with local leaders welcoming potential economic benefits while warning of significant challenges.

At its former home, RIAT contributed more than £25 million to the local economy, according to figures attributed to the Air Tattoo. The 2025 event attracted more than 175,000 attendees. No comparable economic impact or jobs forecast has yet been published for Boscombe Down, but hotels around the site are reported to have already received advance block bookings.

Local leaders have emphasised both the opportunities and risks. The potential rewards include economic, educational and social benefits for the region. However, concerns centre on the scale of disruption an event of this size could cause to traffic, infrastructure, noise levels and public services.

John Glen, MP for Salisbury, said the move could deliver substantial benefits for the region. He stated that his primary interest lay in 'maximising the associated economic, educational, and social opportunities for the constituency, while minimising disruption to everyday life'. He noted that RIAT is one of the largest ticketed events in the country and that the economic boost from national and international visitors could be significant.

Royal International Air Tattoo moves to Boscombe Down from 2027 — Image: Gazette & Herald

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How it is being reported

RIAT move from RAF base sparks excitement and concern across WiltshireThe Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will relocate to MOD Boscombe Down from 2027, ending more than 40 years at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.Gazette & Herald · 13 Nov, 13:22
RIAT move from RAF base sparks excitement and concern across WiltshireThe Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will relocate to MOD Boscombe Down from 2027, ending more than 40 years at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.This Is Wiltshire · 13 Nov, 13:22
RIAT move from RAF base sparks excitement and concern across WiltshireThe Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will relocate to MOD Boscombe Down from 2027, ending more than 40 years at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.Wiltshire Times · 13 Nov, 13:22
RIAT move from RAF base sparks excitement and concern across WiltshireThe Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will relocate to MOD Boscombe Down from 2027, ending more than 40 years at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.Swindon Advertiser · 13 Nov, 13:22

In this story: Royal International Air Tattoo · MOD Boscombe Down · RAF Fairford · Salisbury · John Glen

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log