Entertainment Swindon

Organisers of RIAT are excited to announce that next summer, the skies above Gloucestershire will thunder once again as the Royal International Air Tattoo returns to RAF Fairford with the thrilling 2026 theme: ‘Fighter Meet’.

Following a record-breaking year that saw over 178,000 attendees and three consecutive years of sold-out ticket sales, RIAT26 promises to be another unforgettable aviation spectacle.

What to expect:

• ‘Fighter Meet’ will spotlight a century of air-to-air combat aircraft, from classic warbirds to cutting-edge modern fighters..

• Next summer also marks 30 years since RIAT was granted Royal status, celebrated with a ‘Royal Flight’ sub-theme featuring VIP transport aircraft past and present.

The ever-popular Techno Zone® will return, packed with interactive STEM-based exhibits to engage and inspire visitors of all ages.

RIAT26 will have an operational theme of ‘Fighter Meet’ highlighting the aircraft used throughout the last century for air-to-air combat and hope to include examples of modern fighter aircraft used across the globe. In addition, 2026 also marks 30 years since Royal status was granted to the event, and in recognition of this next year’s event will have a sub-theme of Royal Flight, which will be marked with a gathering of aircraft used for VIP transportation.

Speaking on the theme announcement, Head of Air Operations, Peter Reoch said: “Our Fighter Meet theme is an exciting opportunity to showcase a myriad of aircraft types, particularly fast jets, which are always popular with our visitors. As always, our aspiration is to provide an eclectic mix of aircraft from around the world for our visitors to view in July.”

All proceeds from the annual aviation showcase are donated to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT), whose purpose is to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in STEM, with particular focus on air, space and technology.

In the last three years, grants from the charity have enabled over 750,000 young people aged 5 – 25 years to be engaged in STEM activities, which have been delivered by leading UK charities and powered by the airshow’s sustained popularity. In addition, the show’s flagship ground attraction, the Techno Zone® will again be a hive of activity with a range of interactive activities for entertain visitors of all ages.

Aircraft participation is set to be announced early next year, with tickets available via AirTattoo.com.