Important News about the Air Tattoo 2021

  • 16th Feb 2021
It is with great regret that the Directors of RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises have taken the difficult decision to cancel this summer's Royal International Air Tattoo, which was due to take place at RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire on July 16-18.  
For the past six months, the team has been working tirelessly to devise a planning framework that would resolve the many complexities involved in staging such a large event, including how to deliver the vital international component of some 30 nations. However, the Board concluded that owing to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 during the crucial build up to, and delivery of, the world's greatest airshow, there were simply too many risks associated with pressing ahead.  
Whilst we understand that this decision will be met with disappointment by our many supporters, we know they recognise the responsibility we have, to all our stakeholders, to stage a safe and successful event.   
We hope that taking the decision now will provide clarity to all those involved in the airshow, including our incredible army of volunteers, our loyal ticketholders, our valued suppliers, corporate guests and sponsors as well as the many military air arms from around the world who were hoping to join us in July to celebrate our 50th anniversary. We look forward and are determined to provide opportunities for this important milestone in the Air Tattoo's history to be celebrated in 2021 including building on the incredible success of last summer's Virtual Air Tattoo, details of which to follow.  
In the meantime, we would like to thank you for your magnificent support, both for the airshow and for our parent charity the RAF Charitable Trust, and we very much look forward to seeing you all at what will be a spectacular Royal International Air Tattoo 2022.    
For existing Ticket Holders - We are so disappointed that we have had to make this decision again and are, as always, extremely grateful for your stalwart and loyal support. The loss of two shows is a tough hit to us and rolling over your tickets to RIAT22 will be of enormous help to us, as so many of you did last year. If you purchased tickets for the 2020 Air Tattoo that were rolled over, or for the 2021 Air Tattoo, we will be in touch with you again before 26 February with full instructions on how to roll-over or claim a refund, and the process will be launched alongside that email.  
As with most organisations during this lockdown period, our Customer Services Team is working remotely so we ask that you bear with us. You will no doubt have a number of questions so please click HERE to contact us. Finally should you be thinking of any other ways to support us, we have a great range of merchandise online including our 50th anniversary book, and any donations to our parent charity, the RAF Charitable Trust, will be very gratefully received via their Virgin Money Giving page.