Royal International Air Tattoo relocates to Wiltshire base
Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 4 Nov, 20:27 · Archive
The Royal International Air Tattoo is relocating from RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to MOD Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, starting with its 2027 event.
The Royal International Air Tattoo, described as the world's largest military airshow, is leaving RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire where it has been held since 1985. All future events, beginning with RIAT 2027, will now take place at MOD Boscombe Down near Amesbury in Wiltshire.
The 2026 event was cancelled this summer as RAF Fairford was being used by the US Air Force in connection with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Although US bomber jets have since departed from the Gloucestershire base, organisers have confirmed the move to Wiltshire will be permanent.
MOD Boscombe Down is one of the most significant military aviation sites in the UK. Originally opened in October 1917 as Royal Flying Corps Station Red House Farm, it was used to train aircrews during the First World War before closing and reopening in 1930. It became internationally important in September 1939 when the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment relocated there, and nearly every major aircraft operated by the British armed forces has undergone testing at the site.
Today Boscombe Down remains the UK's principal military aircraft test and evaluation centre. It is operated by QinetiQ on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and hosts the Empire Test Pilots' School, established in 1943 to train specialist military test pilots and flight-test engineers.
Organisers say the Wiltshire location provides an outstanding platform for RIAT's future ambitions, offering the space, capability and flexibility required to support the event's evolution. The move is expected to enhance the visitor experience, strengthen international participation, introduce new attractions and engage more people through aviation.
How it is being reported
- Why is the world's biggest military airshow moving?The Royal International Air Tattoo will now take place at MoD Boscombe Down, near Amesbury in Wiltshire.BBC Gloucestershire · 4 Nov, 18:10
- Royal International Air Tattoo leaving Fairford baseIt is moving to a new site in WiltshireGloucestershire Live · 4 Nov, 13:58
- RIAT's new Wiltshire home: Location, history and how to get thereThe Royal International Air Tattoo is moving to a Wiltshire military base – here’s all you need to know about the site.Wilts & Glos Standard · 4 Nov, 13:46
In this story: Royal International Air Tattoo · RAF Fairford · MOD Boscombe Down · Gloucestershire · Wiltshire · QinetiQ · Ministry of Defence · Empire Test Pilots' School
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
Comments (0)