The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), one of the world’s largest military air shows, was cancelled for 2023 due to military operations linked to the Iran war and ongoing conflict in the Middle East [1, 2]. The event had been scheduled for July 17 to 19 at RAF Fairford in southwest England [1, 2].
Organisers said the decision followed extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and United States Air Force amid uncertainty about access to RAF Fairford. They described it as "not an easy decision" given the evolving situation in the region [1].
RIAT has run for more than 50 years and regularly draws over 170,000 visitors to the event, which supports the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust as a not-for-profit event [2]. Gavin Gager, Chief Executive of the Trust, called the cancellation "a phenomenal disappointment" shared by all who attend, adding, "The summer won’t be the same without it" [2].
Ticket holders will have options including refunds, transfers to the 2027 event, or donations to the RAF Charitable Trust [2]. Organisers plan to resume the air show in 2027 [1, 2].
The cancellation was publicly announced on May 19, several months before the original event dates of July 17 to 19, 2023 [1, 2].
