Royal International Air Tattoo Experiencing Unprecedented Demand

  • 23rd Apr 2024
  • Last year 150,000 people visited the event based at RAF Fairford
  • Less than 10,000 tickets remaining for Saturday 20th July 2024
  • Over 80 aircraft already confirmed for this summer’s show with weekly additions
  • Free admission for those under 18-years-old

Interest in this summer’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) has reached record levels with the show on track for its earliest ever sell-out.

The event, which is taking place from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July, is the world’s largest military airshow with over 250 aircraft involved in last year’s event.

So far there have been 86 aircraft unveiled to take part in this year’s event, including international display teams, large transport aircraft and a variety of helicopters.

Every week new aircraft are added to the line-up as the show celebrates 50-years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, 100-years of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and 75-years of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

In 2023, organisers announced Saturday had sold out in early June but with unprecedented interest ahead of this summer, organisers are thrilled with levels of interest.

All proceeds from RIAT are donated to the event’s parent charity, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust, a forward-looking charity aiming to inspire the next generation of aviators, which received almost £2m from last year’s aviation showcase.

Chief Executive Officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: “RIAT is a world-renowned event which takes place in the heart of the Cotswolds and we are proud to deliver it every year.

“Not only do visitors come from all over the country, they travel from across the globe to see what we put together at RAF Fairford.

“The support for this year has been incredible and we are really looking forward to welcoming everyone in the summer.”

With an operational theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries in Air and Space’, this year’s RIAT gives people the opportunity to get up close and see aircraft they’d never normally have access to.

One example is the British Antarctic Survey’s Twin Otter aircraft, which usually operates in the polar regions collecting scientific data and will be on static display this summer.

“This year’s theme means we are expecting some unique aircraft which operate in unique areas and it really demonstrates the role of aviation, whether that is in defence, transport or scientific work,” added Paul.

“If you haven’t been to the event before, or are starting to make plans for the summer then we are an event that accommodates for everyone.”

Tickets are available here: airtattoo.com/tickets-packages/