Organisers confirmed today (Wednesday, 4th November) that the world’s largest military airshow will permanently relocate to MOD Boscombe Down, near Amesbury in Wiltshire, from July 2027.
The shock announcement means RAF Fairford, which has hosted the internationally renowned event for more than 40 years, will no longer welcome the hundreds of aircraft and thousands of aviation enthusiasts who descend on the area each summer.
The decision is particularly significant for businesses across Fairford, Cirencester, Swindon and the surrounding communities, which have traditionally benefited from the enormous influx of visitors.
According to the Air Tattoo’s own figures, the event contributes more than £25 million to the local economy, supporting pubs, restaurants, cafés and other businesses.
The last airshow held at Fairford, in July 2025, attracted more than 175,000 visitors and featured 224 aircraft from 27 nations.
While the event is remaining within Wiltshire, moving it further south represents a significant change for the communities and businesses that have supported it for decades.
The announcement follows the cancellation of the 2026 Air Tattoo, when uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, linked to military operations and the conflict in the Middle East, forced organisers to abandon the event.
However, the latest announcement does not explicitly confirm whether those operational pressures are the reason for the permanent relocation.
An RAFCTE spokesperson told aviation website Flightline UK that the decision followed a comprehensive review of the airshow’s future operating requirements, intended to give greater certainty to everyone involved in delivering the event.
Gavin Gager, chief executive of Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, described the relocation as a defining moment. He said:
“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.”
He added:
“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.”
Despite the move, the organisation behind the Air Tattoo will remain headquartered in Fairford, with organisers stressing their continued commitment to the town.
The relocation has been welcomed by Wiltshire Council leader Cllr Ian Thorn, who believes the new venue could deliver significant benefits for businesses further south.
He 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.”
For businesses around Fairford, however, the announcement presents a very different prospect.
The extent of the economic impact remains unclear, particularly how much of the spending traditionally generated around Fairford will now shift towards Amesbury and Salisbury.
Organisers say MOD Boscombe Down offers the space and flexibility to expand the Air Tattoo, attract international aircraft and introduce new attractions.
The first Air Tattoo at Boscombe Down is scheduled for 16th to 18th July 2027.
Tickets already purchased for RIAT27 will remain valid, with customers due to receive further information. Organisers say details of transport, accommodation and the new showground arrangements will be announced in the coming months.
For Fairford and the communities surrounding Swindon, the move brings an end to a remarkable 40-year association with one of the world’s most prestigious aviation events, and leaves a substantial question over what comes next for the businesses that have depended on its annual arrival.
