Update on the return of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team from Operation Eagle Hawk and recommencement of season:
The Red Arrows plan to continue a multi-leg journey back to the United Kingdom from North America next week (w/c 10 August).
Due to a prolonged period of poor weather in the north-eastern regions of Canada, the team’s return from a tour of the United States was postponed last week.
It is now anticipated this Atlantic crossing will be able to begin again from late next week based on more favourable conditions.
Regrettably, this revised timeline means the Red Arrows will not be in a position to complete performances at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.
All of these events remain on as scheduled with exciting line-ups and featuring other participating RAF aircraft.
Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding RAF Aerobatic Team, said: “We are very sorry the Red Arrows cannot participate at these events and we are grateful to organisers and communities for their understanding.
“Every effort is being made to ensure the Red Arrows can recommence the busy display season as soon as possible.
“However, safety is the only factor that will determine the timing of the team’s return from Canada.”
Other RAF aircraft, including the Typhoon Display Team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), remain part of an extensive line-up at Eastbourne.
The BBMF is also carrying out flypasts at Lyme Regis during Lifeboat Week, on August 21 and 22.
The Air Events Team – which coordinates the RAF’s display assets – has been liaising with these shows.
A C-17 Globemaster and two Typhoon jets will now perform a flypast over the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Saturday 15 August.
The Red Arrows’ single-engine Hawk aircraft have a limited range and cannot carry out air-to-air refuelling.
This means crossing the Atlantic – with its complex weather patterns – has to be done in stages and is made more complicated with only a small number of diversion airfields available.
Critical to this trail is having the correct RAF support aircraft, including search-and-rescue cover and those carrying essential technical equipment, in the right place, at the right time.
A reasonable buffer window, to help mitigate potential delays for the Atlantic return, was always factored into the planning of Operation Eagle Hawk based on vast experience gained during previous crossings safely carried out in 2019 and 2024.
However, the weather in north-east Canada has been particularly challenging.
Scheduled engineering on the Hawks, which was due to take place in the UK, was carried out by team personnel during the Red Arrows’ stay at CFB Goose Bay to make best use of time.
This is aimed at helping the return to the 2026 programme to be as expedient and efficient as possible when the jets land back in the UK.
The entire Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team thanks those aviation fans who have sent well wishes and messages of support – the Red Arrows are focused on making a safe return and displaying for individuals and families across the remainder of the summer season.