One of the UK's most anticipated events of the summer, the iconic Royal International Air Tattoo draws tens of thousands of visitors to its Cotswolds base every year, with so much for the whole family to see and do.
Bringing vast displays of aircraft from around the world, the latest innovations in science and tech, first class hospitality and plenty to keep the kids entertained – SoGlos looks at 13 of the best reasons to buy a ticket to RIAT25.
Witness thrilling displays in the air
Undoubtedly the main draw for thousands of visitors each year, the skies will be filled with a range of impressive aircraft flown by skilled pilots from around the world, throughout the weekend at RAF Fairford.
Familiar favourites including the renowned Red Arrows of the Royal Air Force are back in 2025, as well as iconic warbirds from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight; with displays never seen before at RIAT, such as the Swedish Black Hawk and Portuguese Merlin, also confirmed for this year.
Get up close and personal with aircraft on the ground
Coming back down to earth – there's plenty to explore on the ground at RIAT, too, with rare opportunities to see iconic heritage and modern aircraft up close.
From fighter planes and bombers, to helicopters and Airbuses, visitors can get a good look at a wide range of aircraft spanning decades of aviation from all over the world, positioned across the showground.
Interact with the latest science and tech
The perfect place for young minds to feed their passion and curiosity for science and technology, RIAT's Techno Zone is back and 'bigger, better, brighter than ever before' in 2025, with more than 40 hands-on exhibits to explore.
Comprised of two main areas – the 'adrenaline fuelled' Power Up! zone and the 'home of hands-on innovation', Engineers of Tomorrow – highlights include live demos of drone and robotics technology and a chance to see the latest in sustainable aviation through the power of VR.
Spot the seldom seen with this year's spy-centric theme
Each year at RIAT brings a new event theme – with a range of specialised aircraft which usually operate out of sight landing at the showground this July 2025.
The spy-centric theme 'Eyes in the Skies' will highlight the role aviation plays across aerial surveying, airborne early warning, maritime patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, signals intelligence and surveillance, welcoming aircraft from around the world which have been modified and adapted for use on specialised missions.
Enjoy the airshow with added comfort and luxury
There's plenty of choice for visitors when it comes to where to view the air displays, with options to book seating in the viewing village garden or grandstand when buying your admission ticket – and a host of hospitality enclosures offering extra comfort and luxury, too.
Upgrade to the Flight Deck to enjoy a 'vibrant' atmosphere – or join the Aviation Club for a 'smart yet relaxed' experience; the Cotswold Club for a summer garden party; watch the action 'in style' at the First Class Lounge; or entertain business guests in the Lightning Pavilion, all including an array of complimentary food and drink.
Tuck in to delicious food and drink
There's tasty refreshment to be found at RIAT outside of the enclosures, too, from a range of food and drink sellers across the showground.
With street food from around the world along with coffee, ice cream and a range of bars, you're sure to find something to suit every taste at one of the site's many 'refuelling stations'.
Give the kids the best view in the family enclosure
Parents and carers taking their little ones to RIAT can find all the comfort they need, along with the perfect place to watch the show, in the family enclosure.
Positioned right next to the runway, the enclosure offers great views of all the action in the air and is the ideal spot for a picnic with shaded areas and garden seating, as well as complimentary activities and entertainment for kids – with under fives getting in for free, too.
Take a selfie with a pilot
Visitors to RIAT also have the rare opportunity to meet world famous pilots – and even snap a selfie for their socials.
Families have the chance to chat to the pilots taking part in the flying displays as part of the family enclosure experience, while there's also a 'Meet the Pilots' area in the Take Off Zone.
Start the party with cocktails and a DJ
Brand new for 2025, guests can also upgrade to the 'cool, contemporary vibe' of RIAT's liveliest hospitality package, Altitude – the perfect place to watch the show over drinks with your mates.
Offering something 'markedly different' to the other hospitality areas, Altitude has its own upper deck viewing platform, an all-inclusive bar complete with cocktails and complimentary food served all day, along with an exclusive live DJ set once the flying is finished.
Shop for merch and more
Pick up the perfect souvenir or grab a gift for your loved ones in RIAT's diverse shopping area.
Aviation fans can shop for everything from official air force merch, models and memorabilia to military surplus kit, at stalls and kiosks across the showground.
Hear from leading voices in space and aviation
Another part of RIAT's vast Techno Zone area, visitors can enjoy insightful talks from some of the world's top aviation and space professionals on the Inspire Stage.
With past talks covering everything from life as a Red Arrow, to what it's like to blast off into space with 'incredible' speakers like astronauts Tim Peake and Charles Duke – along with some guest famous presenters – a visit to the Inspire Stage is sure to leave children and adults 'buzzing with excitement'.
It's the 40th one in Gloucestershire
The 40th Air Tattoo since the event moved to the Cotswolds, guests at RIAT25 will also have the chance to reflect on past events at RAF Fairford, with an area celebrating its history in Gloucestershire.
Long-time RIAT supporters and regular attendees are being asked to submit photographs from years gone by to form part of a display, showcasing treasured memories of one of the world's most iconic air shows.
Find out what life is like in the RAF
Get a taster of life in the RAF with interactive exhibitions, first-hand stories and find out how you can forge your own military career, in the RAF Experience area.
Visitors can try out interactive Chinook installations, get a glimpse of the next generation of remotely controlled planes and discover what the RAF of tomorrow could look like, with around 200 RAF personnel on hand to chat about everything from recruitment and training to combat, logistics and research.
