RIAT to relocate to MOD Boscombe Down

Organisers Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE) have announced that RIAT will relocate to MOD Boscombe Down near Amesbury for RIAT27 and future events.
The event was first staged at Fairford in 1985 and has called the base home for almost every tattoo since.
This year's event was cancelled as the base was being used by the US Air Force in America's attacks on Iran.
Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises describes the move as marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of the Royal International Air Tattoo and providing a strong platform for the continued growth, development and long-term success of the world's largest military airshow.
RAFCTE Chief Executive Gavin Gager said: "Every generation of RIAT has had its defining moments, and I believe this is one of them.
"The decision to move RIAT to Boscombe Down is about much more than a new location. It is about securing the future of the world's greatest military airshow and the charitable impact it generates for future generations.
"What excites me most is not simply the move itself, but what it makes possible. 
"Every year RIAT brings people together through a shared passion for aviation, while generating vital funding that enables the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust to inspire hundreds of thousands of young people through STEM engagement. 
"That is the real legacy of this event, and it is why securing its future matters so much.
"Boscombe Down gives us the opportunity to build on everything that makes RIAT special. 
"We have ambitious plans for the future and are determined to create an experience that continues to inspire visitors, attract the world's leading air arms and aircraft, and strengthen our charitable mission for decades to come.
"I want to pay tribute to RAF Fairford and the local community, whose support and partnership have helped make RIAT the success it is today. We will always be proud of that shared history.
"Now, we have the opportunity to write the next chapter. I cannot wait to welcome the world to RIAT27 at Boscombe Down and to share that journey with everyone who makes this extraordinary event possible." 
While RIAT is renowned globally for bringing together the very best of military aviation, it also serves a much wider purpose. 
Every ticket sold helps fund the work of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), inspiring young people through education and engagements in air, space, and technology.
In 2025 alone, the success of RIAT helped RAFCT deliver more than 500,000 STEM engagements for young people across the United Kingdom. 
Securing the long-term future of RIAT therefore secures the future impact of the charity, enabling it to continue investing in educational programmes that inspire, engage and develop future generations.
MOD Boscombe Down, the trust says, provides an outstanding platform for RIAT's future ambitions, offering the space, capability and flexibility required to support the event's continued evolution. 
The move creates opportunities to enhance the visitor experience, strengthen international participation, introduce new attractions and engage even more people through the unique power of aviation, while remaining true to the qualities that have established RIAT as a globally recognised event for more than 50 years.
As RIAT looks to the future, RAFCTE says it also recognises the extraordinary contribution made by RAF Fairford, the United States Air Force and the local community. 
Their support, partnership and commitment over more than four decades have helped shape RIAT into the globally respected event it is today and will always remain an important part of the event's story.
RAFCTE will continue to be headquartered in Fairford and says it remains fully committed to the town, the local community and the wider region. 
While RIAT's flying operations will move to MOD Boscombe Down, Fairford, the trust says, will remain the home of the organisation.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force, said: “For more than 50 years, the Royal International Air Tattoo has brought together air forces, industry and aviation enthusiasts from around the world, creating a unique opportunity to showcase the very best of military aviation and to strengthen our international partnerships.
"RAF Fairford has been at the heart of supporting Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises in delivering RIAT for the last 40 years, demonstrating the professionalism, innovation and collaboration that underpin air and space power today. 
"My first role as a newly commissioned RAF Officer in the summer of 1991 was to work on RIAT’s air display operations desk at RAF Fairford – the support from the base and its team was superb then, and has been every single year since. 
"I would take this opportunity to offer a personal thank you to every member of RAF Fairford who has supported RIAT so brilliantly over these many years – we simply couldn’t have asked for better.
"As RIAT begins an exciting new chapter at MOD Boscombe Down, it will be based at a site with a rich aviation heritage and a proud history of supporting military aviation. 
"This move secures the future of the airshow for decades into the future and enables the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust's important work to continue inspiring future generations.
"The Royal Air Force looks forward to continuing its long-standing partnership with Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises and supporting future editions of RIAT for many years to come.”
Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Wiltshire. Bringing the Royal International Air Tattoo to Boscombe Down will put us on the national and international stage, attract thousands of visitors and provide a real boost for local businesses and our visitor economy. 
"With Wiltshire’s proud military and aviation heritage, we could not be more excited to welcome this world-renowned event.”
Over the coming months, RAFCTE will share further details of RIAT27, including aircraft participation, international delegations, attractions and visitor experiences.
 

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