RAF Air Cadets HQ is incredibly sad to share the news that the Royal International Air Tattoo 2026 has been officially cancelled.
We understand that this news will cause a great deal of concern, disappointment, and frustration for many of you. RIAT is the absolute highlight of the year for so many of our cadets and adult volunteers, and we know just how much passion, time, and meticulous planning our community had already poured into preparing for this summer's event. To see that hard work halted so close to the event is deeply upsetting for all of us.
Why has this happened?
RIAT is owned and run by the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCTE), not the RAF or RAFAC. The official statement from the RAFCTE explains that the escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East has required a significant increase in real-world operational missions out of RAF Fairford. As the RAF and USAF must maintain unrestricted, 24/7 operational readiness at the base, it is simply not possible or safe to host a massive public airshow this July.
What happens next?
As this decision has only just been finalised, HQ RAFAC is currently working to figure out the full implications for our organisation over the coming days.
HQ RAFAC are now considering wider and adjacent options to allow as many camp places as possible to continue. As this detail is worked through, we will engage and advertise wider to Regions and Wings.
We have a massive logistical puzzle to untangle regarding planned cadet camps, staff allocations, transport bookings, and infrastructure, and link this to any new taskings. We kindly ask for your patience while we work through this.