Aviation fans have enjoyed a final Red Arrows show of a packed 2026 display season.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team displayed in glorious weather conditions to thousands of people at IWM Duxford, near Cambridge.
Yesterday’s show was the last of nearly 40 displays, which took the Red Arrows to many of the summer’s biggest occasions.
As well as flying at events attended by millions of people at home, the team also visited 11 countries over the last six months – including a highly-successful tour of the United States.
Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding, Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “The 2026 season has seen the Red Arrows represent the RAF and United Kingdom at home and overseas.
“From our flypast of the Great North Run and Newcastle for the world’s biggest half-marathon, to soaring above New York for America's 250th anniversary of independence, we have been delighted to have the opportunity to perform to people in a packed summer that’s taken us near and far.
“We were also honoured to display at the largest aviation gathering on the planet – EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh in Wisconsin – during our tour of the United States. That experience was something all of us on the team will remember for a very long time to come.”
Wg Cdr Nash said one of the highlights of the year had been the response to the new aerobatic display developed for 2026 and the chance for the team to meet so many people at events.
The Officer Commanding said: “It doesn’t matter where the Red Arrows visited this season, we've been humbled by the incredible encouragement and interest shown in our shows and work.
“In the UK, for example, we’ve been overwhelmed by the thousands of people who turned up for our regular meet-and-greet sessions at many events.
“The huge turnouts at Ayr in Scotland, Midlands Air Festival, Duxford and RAF Cosford’s airshow in June were a fantastic opportunity to chat with our supporters and we have taken great pride in hearing how much the 2026 display has been enjoyed and how people have taken inspiration from watching our teamwork, both in-the-air and on-the-ground.
“The passion demonstrated by aviation fans, families and individuals of all ages and backgrounds drives our constant pursuit of excellence.
“On behalf of the entire Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, I’d like to thank these enthusiastic crowds for their support of, and unshakeable pride in, the Red Arrows.”
The Red Arrows’ 2026 season began in May, following several months of training and preparation of the new aerobatic display.
Based at RAF Waddington near Lincoln, there are 150 people in the entire team.
Wg Cdr Nash said: “None of the precision displays and colourful flypasts seen during the summer could occur without the exceptional hard work of the team’s air and ground crews, the incredible support from our families and the involvement of personnel and units from across the RAF across the whole year.
“For this, I am extremely grateful and would like to thank all involved for their support and commitment to the Red Arrows’ 2026 display season.”
The 2026 Red Arrows pilots are now carrying out final flights and other work, before a short intermission and the start of preparations for next year begin.
