Show Info Hub
Welcome to the Show Info Hub!
We really want you to make the most of your time at RIAT25. You will find all the information you need here about travelling to the show, and information you need to know on events and happenings throughout the day.
Make sure you check back here regularly for the most up to date details!
Scroll below to see our programme of events and flight display times as well as information on travel, accessibility, safety, sustainability and more.
We have also launched a new app for RIAT25, where you can get all the information you need to enjoy your day as well as getting to and from the event as smoothly as possible. To download the app, search RIAT on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and follow the installation instructions. We advise our customers to download the app before arriving at RIAT, before you travel to the event. The Wi-Fi reception on site is intermittent especially when the showground is crowded, and by downloading the app in advance, customers will be able to access features such as the map and schedule, even without a Wi-Fi or mobile connection.
We do advise people to pack lightly to help reduce wait times at entry points, but there are some essentials you should still bring like a water bottle, sun cream and hat if it's hot. It goes without saying that dangerous items like knives or drones should never be brought into RAF Fairford under any circumstances.
Make sure you download your e-ticket(s) before arriving at the showground to avoid delays on entry. Those without a valid ticket will be refused entry.
Travel and getting here on the day
RIAT is one of the world's largest airshows and the area surrounding RAF Fairford becomes extremely busy on show days; we recommend you plan your travel to and from the show carefully. You should have chosen your travel option when you booked your ticket, but if this has changed, then please contact our Customer Services Department on enquiries@rafcte.com. For further information regarding accessibility click here.
Important - you do not require a printed, physical parking pass. If you are using a Sat Nav to find your way to RIAT, please use postcode GL7 4EG. When you get near to RAF Fairford, you will see colour coded AA road signs, at which point you should follow these instead of your Sat Nav.
For more information, see below:
How to get here - bus, car, train, air & travel groups
Further information:
Swindon Shuttle Bus/Cheltenham Park & Ride
If you are looking for somewhere to stay locally or interested in other activities locally to enhance your visit see below:
Where to stay & the local area
Liftshare
We have introduced an award-winning car sharing platform, Liftshare, which is free to use and enables individuals to share their journey, reducing the number of vehicles travelling to the event. If you are interested in sharing your journey, all you need to do is visit Liftshare.
Navigate to:
Tune in and Listen Live on 87.7FM!
Friday and Saturday are now sold out but you can still live stream them here.
Air Tattoo Live is RIAT's own radio station during show days and transmits all the audio broadcasts. Tune in on your journey to RIAT25. For more information and timings click below.
Security – Important
Your safety is very important to us. Please click the button below for more information on our check in procedure as well as general security advice.
Please note, we intend to search every bag brought into the event, so bear this in mind when deciding what to bring. Packing lightly will help to decrease wait times.
Dangerous items such as knives and drones and political banners and information will be removed before entry is allowed.
Please note: To ensure The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is enjoyed by all, the use of any unmanned aircraft including drones of any type, are prohibited without the relevant permission. For more information on the airspace restriction visit here.
Breaches of Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 constitute an offence and you may be liable to prosecution.
Important security information - please read
Now for the fun stuff!
visitor information
We are back again this year with another awe-inspiring line-up for the world's greatest airshow at RAF Fairford. This year's event boasts over 250 aircraft that will either be on the static display, where you can take a closer look at them, or demonstrating their incredible capabilities in the sky as part of our flying display. We'd like to thank all of the participating nations and civilian operators for once again being involved and special thank you to the thousands of visitors we are expecting over the show weekend. We hope you enjoy your time with us.
Scroll below to see our programme of events and flight display times.
Aircraft Checklist
The Aircraft Checklist is a great tool to ensure you see every aircraft at the show. With serial numbers, codes and squadron information included, you’ll have the ultimate guide to RIAT25. Pick up your copy at the tented shops along the showground or at the Customer Entry Points. Copies are £4 each. Click the link below below to see our confirmed aircraft listing.
Flight safety notice The Civil Aviation Authority has established restriction of Flying Regulations under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order at and in the vicinity of RAF Fairford. Restricted Airspace (Temporary) will be established in the vicinity of RAF Fairford during the period 16-21 July 2025. As part of this, no unmanned aircraft systems, such as drones or model aircraft, are to be flown in the vicinity of RAF Fairford during RIAT; To fly one constitutes a criminal offence and you will be prosecuted. If you have any questions, please contact The Royal International Air Tattoo on 01285 713300.
static display and show Highlights
This year, we have an operational theme of 'Eyes in the Skies' which will see us celebrate the specialised aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, surveying and reconnaissance which will give you a chance to see, hear and get close to aircraft like never before. Here are some highlights at this year's show:
40 years of Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford
The summer of 1985 marks the first time that Air Tattoo first touched down at Gloucestershire’s RAF Fairford. Since then, millions of people have come through the gates to get a glimpse at aircraft from all over the world. To mark the 40th anniversary, there will be a heritage centre on this year’s showground where people can relive iconic moments that have happened at the event over the years.
Eyes in the Skies
This year’s theme means visitors can get up close and personal with a range of different aircraft used for aerial surveying, airborne early warning, maritime patrol, search and rescue, reconnaissance, signals intelligence and surveillance. These aircraft and their crew will be scattered across the showground, so make sure to see them while you can!
RAF Experience
Located at the eastern end of the airfield, the RAF experience is full of things to explore as they present all aspects of what it is like to be involved in the air force. Its centrepiece will be an A400M aircraft and there are more than 20 different units who will be exhibiting in this special ground display. The RAF experience is always worth a visit when joining us at RIAT and will be where all the RAF display teams will be hosting their autograph sessions over the weekend.
Flying Display Highlights
Check back closer to RIAT, and we'll be providing timings of some of the must-see items in the flying display programme. The full flying display schedule will be available in the souvenir programme on the day.
The showground is nearly two miles in length, so we have provided marker flags every 50 metres or so along the southside of the main taxiway to help you navigate your way round the show and demonstrate how far you need to walk to get there.
Refuelling stations
SW loop and orange flags 11, 19-21, 26-27, 29, 34-36, 41-42
Many of the amenities to help you enjoy your day are found in our seven Refuelling Stations. These include a wide range of catering options, plenty of seating and shelter, with toilets located nearby. Refuelling Stations are positioned in the West, Central and East parts of the showground, including the Take Off Zone which provides many of the same facilities. The ideal place for meeting up with friends and family.
FREE Showground Bus
Friday
If you are parked in the Green Car Park on Friday, the FREE showground bus is the only way to access the showground and return to your car at the end of the day. Our fast-track buses will drop you off and collect you – a journey time of less than two minutes! It is also a great way to get around the showground throughout the day.
Saturday/Sunday
Our FREE bus service is the ideal way to see the show from one end to the other. Why not catch the bus to one end of the showground and walk back? It operates to the south of the showground with a bus stop near each Customer Entry Point and more in between, with a regular service on all three days. It’s a great way to get back to your car or coach at the end of the day! Ask our helpful Air Tattoo CREW for your nearest bus stop or look on our Showground Maps.
Finding your way round
The tallest flags in orange tell you what number location you are at, and the navy flags in between tell you which amenities, activities and enclosures are close by. On the following pages, we show the orange flag number that each facility is situated at. Also be sure to use our showground maps, listen to our commentary and look on the big screens to find out where all the action is. If you need any further help or have any questions, just ask a member of the Air Tattoo CREW!
Air Tattoo CREW
If you need help or have a question, our enthusiastic volunteers are out and about. You won’t be able to miss them in their turquoise uniform! They have a wealth of knowledge about the show and should be able to answer all your questions. Located at the entry and exit points, on the buses, around the showground and at the Visitor Information Points – if in doubt, ask the Air Tattoo CREW.
Visitor Information Points
Orange flags 12, 31, 42
At each Visitor Information Point, you will find our friendly Air Tattoo CREW who will answer any questions you may have to ensure you have a great day. At the main Visitor Information Point opposite orange flag 31, you will find the Lost Persons facility.
Drop Zone
Orange flag 31
You can leave your picnics, shopping and other heavy items at the Drop Zone; our left luggage facility in the main Visitor Information Point opposite orange flag 31. This is free of charge, although any donation to our parent charity would be appreciated.
Lost persons and child safety
Orange flag 31
Our safeguarding wristband scheme is a FREE service and has greatly improved the speed at which lost persons are reunited with their guardian. We encourage you to use them and write your contact number for the day on the band. The Missing Persons facility is situated in a self-contained space in the main Visitor Information Point in the centre of the showground opposite orange flag 31. Our qualified staff will take care of any lost persons whilst we locate their guardian.
First aid
Orange flag 25
Should you require medical attention, our First Aid Post is centrally located in the aircraft bay behind orange flag 25. If help is required elsewhere at the Air Tattoo, ambulance and paramedic personnel will respond in order to provide medical assistance. Contact a member of the Air Tattoo team, who will call for medical assistance.
Cash points
Orange flags 12, 31, 42
Don’t worry about money! Cash can be withdrawn for a small fee from the mobile ATMs situated by the Visitor Information Points which are located opposite orange flags 12, 31 and 42.
Lost Property
Orange flags 31
Any lost property handed in at the showground will be stored at the Central Visitor Information Point opposite flag 31.
Rain Ponchos
Who knows what the weather may bring...If it does rain, you can go to the nearest official merchandise units and buy a reusable RIAT rain poncho for just £10.
Baby Changing Facilities
There are four 'easy access' toilet cubicles with a baby changing unit in them in each of the three large toilet areas across the public showground, as well as in the Family Enclosure for its guests only. Please refer to the showground map for the toilet locations.
Big Screens
This year, there are lots of big screens to make your Air Tattoo experience even better! Watch footage from the skies, see interviews with pilots and their aircrew, learn fun facts and much more. They’re located across the showground, north of the taxiway.
Showground Maps
There are showground maps at each of the Customer Entry Points and a number of showground maps along the taxiway for your convenience. Want to know where you can buy something to eat? Need to know where the Visitor Information Points are? No Problem! You’ll find everything here.
Techno Zone® & Inspire Stage
For more information on our Techno Zone®, where innovation and technology meet inspiration, and our Inspire Stage, click the link below:
Techno Zone® and Inspire Stage
Click the buttons below for the Inspire Stage Schedule of events with all our guests for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We're especially thrilled that Rachel Riley will be joining us on Saturday to talk about why she is passionate about demystifying maths and we're happy that Tim Peake will be joining us again again on Friday.
Check back here closer to the time for the Inspire Stage schedule.
Multi–Faith Room
Orange flag 31
The multi-faith room can be used for personal prayer in any religious tradition, or for meditation and reflection. The room is not bookable and please note that as we are an airshow, the area is not silent. You can find this facility at the central Visitor Information Point opposite orange flat 31.
Take off Zone
There's lots to do at RIAT25 and a visit to the Take Off Zone should definitely be on your to do list. For more information click the button below:
Check back here closer to the time for the Meet the Pilots schedule.
Catering
This year we have once again enlisted Togather to elevate our public catering offer which will include some of the best food and drink the South West has to offer. Catering is available over seven refuelling stations spread across the showground. See showground map for more info. Boasting an enticing variety of artisan and street food suppliers, speciality coffee, ice cream and innovative bars, this creates a great culinary experience and there’s something for everyone.
Official Air Tattoo Merchandise
Orange flags 21, 31-32, 42
NEW for this year, is our RIAT Megastore which is centrally located on the showground. Opposite orange flats 21, 31-32 and 42. To pick up your official merchandise, visit our tented shops on the showground, or trailers at each of the Customer Entry Points. From clothing to teddies and ducks to patches, find something to remind you of your wonderful time at RIAT!
App - New for RIAT25
Also, new for this year is the RIAT app. To download, search for the RIAT app on the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and follow the installation instructions. Amongst other useful information, the app will give the full schedule of each day's events as well as give you the opportunity to personalise and create your own schedule for the day. The app will also inform customers of any potential issues on the showground or when exiting and entering the showground. We recommend customers download the app before arriving at RIAT, before travelling to the event.
Sustainability
We are determined to to make clear, measurable and positive changes to the way we work to do the right thing.
Togather, our catering company are also committed to using biodegradable packaging with all their vendors. Please make sure you use the allocated bins to dispose of your plates, cutlery & food waste.
For more information on what we're doing for the environment and our sustainability pledges, click the button below:
EXIT ARRANGEMENTS
In order to help us ensure our visitors leave the showground as safely and as quickly as possible, please note the following:
- Please leave by the Customer Entry Point through which you entered – this will ensure that you depart on the correct route. Don't forget to take note of where you have parked!
- Follow the exit routes marked out in the car parks – the exit team will regulate the traffic flows with fairness. Do not cut across to join other traffic lanes; this will not speed up your departure and only serves to annoy other drivers
- Tune in to Air Tattoo Live on 87.7 FM for up-to-date traffic alerts
RIAT26 tickets coming soon!
We hope you have a fabulous time at RIAT. Tickets for 2026 coming soon.
Visitor Feedback
We'd love to know what you think about your Air Tattoo experience. After the show, we will email you a link to our feedback survey or you can check back after the show for the link here.
