In a spectacular show of military precision, the skies over London emptied for June’s annual King’s Birthday flypast. A total of 29 aircraft participated in the ceremonial display, flying from the North Sea to Buckingham Palace. This flypast was supported by a team of 12, 78 Sqn area air traffic controllers, with support from NATS and Northolt Radar.
Aircraft from nine Royal Air Force stations across the UK contributed to the formation, which included: Chinook, Texan, Phenom, Voyager, C-17, A400M, F-35B Lightning, Typhoon, and the iconic Hawk T1s of the Red Arrows.
To accommodate the flypast and ensure safety within one of the world’s busiest airspaces, Heathrow Airport temporarily reduced operations for 12 minutes. The closure underscores the level of planning and collaboration required to balance ceremonial tradition with modern aviation needs.
RAF Northolt also played a vital support role, contributing two Junos, two Texans, and a Phenom. The two Junos acted as weather spotters, maintaining a holding orbit around Buckingham Palace to monitor conditions and confirm visibility remained suitable for the flypast.
Adding a further layer of contingency, four additional aircraft (three Typhoons and one F-35B) were held airborne as spares, ready to substitute for any aircraft if needed.
