Riat 2026: Reddit users react to cancellation of air show, what have organisers said?
Fans of the air show Riat have been reacting to news that the show has been cancelled.
Only five days ago, the Instagram account for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) wrote: “There's now just TWO months to go until #RIAT26!
“Good weather request sent, aircraft confirmed (with plenty more to come) and excitement officially escalating (if it ever stopped!) 🚁✈️
“If you haven't got your tickets yet, now's the time to do it: link in bio.”
In reaction to this Instagram post, one fan wrote: “Can’t wait to see all the other aircraft being announced 🔥,” whilst another wrote: “The wait is nearly over 2 months to go until takeoff 🛫 for RIAT 2026 ✈️ 🇬🇧 I am so excited 😱 this will be my 3rd RIAT in a row.”
One other fan wrote: “So excited for the rest of the confirmed ✅ Aircraft ✈️ announcements 📣 for RIAT 2026 ✈️ 🇬🇧 plenty of more fast jets ✈️ to come.”
Only seven days ago, another post read: “Week 13 of #TakeOffThursday brings another addition to the flying display for #RIAT26!
“We’re very excited to announce that the Krila Oluje Display Team, courtesy of the Croatian Air Force, will be returning to RAF Fairford for the first time since 2016.
“On the ground, we can also confirm that @team_luftwaffe will also be sending a EF2000, wearing a special livery to mark the 70th anniversary of the Luftwaffe.
“@rcaf_arc will also be providing their Hercules and Polaris, giving visitors what is likely to be one of the last chances to see the type ahead of its retirement.
“Finally, we’re pleased to share further aircraft from @royalairforceuk with the F-35B Lightning for the static display line-up.
“With almost two months to go until RIAT26, everything is full steam ahead at Douglas Bader House!
“Full details on our website: link in bio.”
The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) Instagram has now shared that the air show is being cancelled today (Friday May 22), and the statement reads: “We’re very sorry to let you know RIAT will not be taking place this year.
“We know how much the event means to so many of you—our visitors, volunteers, partners, and the wider RIAT community. We fully recognise how disappointing this news will be.
“The whole team at Douglas Bader House, and across the wider organisation, has worked tirelessly over the past 10 months to bring this year’s show to life. We have had to take this difficult decision following extensive discussions with the Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force regarding uncertainty over access to RAF Fairford, given the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
“We’ll be in touch again by the end of May with details regarding your RIAT26 tickets. At that point you will be offered three options:
“•Roll over your tickets to RIAT27
“•Request a full refund
“•Donate the value of your ticket to the RAF Charitable Trust
“In the meantime, you can find further information and updates on our website and FAQs page.
“Thank you for your loyalty and ongoing support as a member of the RIAT community. It genuinely means a great deal to us.
“We remain fully committed to bringing RIAT back in 2027, and very much look forward to welcoming you then.”
Reddit users have been reacting to the cancellation and one wrote: “Oooof I had already feared that would happen but I hoped I was wrong.
“Good thing I can still cancel my Airbnb, just not the flights. So I will have to find something to do 3 days in England lol.”
Another Reddit user said: “That sucks. If you need something to do though, I'd recommend the museums at RAF Cosford, Duxford or Hendon.”
The RIAT 2026 airshow was due to take place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, England.