World famous airshow The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is leaving Gloucestershire after 40 years in 2027, in a move that aims to secure the event's future.
The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), which organises RIAT, has announced this November 2026 that the event will be relocated from its long-held base at RAF Fairford near Cirencester to MOD Boscombe Down near Amesbury in Wiltshire, for RIAT27 and future events.
It follows the event's cancellation in 2026 due to uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, with the Cotswolds airbase having been used by the United States Airforce to launch military operations against Iran.
The airbase was then at the centre of an alleged terrorism plot, which police said they believed was linked to Iran, in September 2026. A major incident was declared, and residents of neighbouring village Whelford were evacuated.
The US Airforce subsequently moved its bombers stationed at RAF Fairford back to their home stations in the US.
RIAT's relocation means its last event in Gloucestershire was in 2025, which marked 40 years since it was first held in the county.
The RAFCTE says the move marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of the Royal International Air Tattoo and provides a strong platform for the continued growth, development and long-term success of the world's largest military airshow.
It says MOD Boscombe Down provides 'an outstanding platform' for RIAT's future ambitions, offering the space, capability and flexibility required to support the event's continued evolution.
A statement reads: 'As RIAT looks to the future, RAFCTE 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.'
The trust, which exists to inspire young people across the UK through education and engagements in air, space, and technology, will continue to be headquartered at RAF Fairford and remains 'fully committed to the town, the local community and the wider region'.
The statement continued: 'While RIAT's flying operations will move to MOD Boscombe Down, Fairford will remain the home of the organisation.
Gavin Gager, chief executive of RAFCTE, 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.'
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.
'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.'
