A historic RAF Spitfire touched down in Cornwall today as part of the nationwide Spitfire 90 Tour, marking 90 years since the iconic aircraft’s first flight and raising funds for two important RAF charities.
The legendary aircraft arrived at Cornwall Airport Newquay (CAN) at 1148 hrs on Thursday 16 April, drawing aviation enthusiasts, personnel and special guests eager to witness a living piece of British history.
The arrival of the Spitfire in Cornwall as part of the Spitfire 90 Tour was a truly special moment and a powerful reminder of the region’s deep‑rooted aviation heritage. RAF St Mawgan has a long and proud association with military aviation, and we were delighted to see this iconic aircraft flying once again in the skies of the southwest. We are grateful to our colleagues at Cornwall Airport Newquay for their continued close cooperation in supporting events such as this, which allow the public to engage with RAF history while celebrating the enduring legacy of the Spitfire.
Squadron Leader Rob Farrant, Acting Station Commander and Executive Officer for RAF St Mawgan.
The visit formed part of the Spitfire 90 Tour, delivered by Spitfire.com and supported by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The tour commemorates the Spitfire’s first flight in 1936 and aims to raise funds for both the Mark Long Trust and the RAF Benevolent Fund, supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families.
Despite best‑laid plans, unpredictable weather required adjustments to the flying programme, resulting in the Cornwall visit taking place on Thursday 16 April rather than the originally advertised date, Wednesday 15 April. The changes highlighted the complexities of operating historic aircraft and the importance of safety‑led decision making.
Among those fortunate enough to witness the Spitfire on the ground was BAFTA award‑winning actor Warwick Davis, making the occasion a particularly personal and memorable experience.
Reflecting on the visit, Warwick Davis said, “For me it was the sound of the engine that really evoked emotion, it really is iconic”.
The flight also delivered unforgettable moments for those directly involved in the tour. Spitfire pilot Dave Stobie said:
“It is just so lovely seeing the auction winning passengers, and the people who come to see the Spitfire, looking so happy”.
One such passenger, Ian Wood, the auction winner who flew the MOD St Athan to RAF St Mawgan route, described the experience as unforgettable:
“It was absolutely brilliant! I enjoyed flying in formation the most and seeing the beautiful north Cornish coastline from the sky”.
The Spitfire’s arrival in Cornwall was warmly welcomed and served as a powerful reminder of the region’s long‑standing connection to UK aviation history, the enduring legacy of this remarkable aircraft, and the importance of continued collaboration between military heritage and civilian aviation partners across the southwest.
