Celebrating 40 years since it first took flight in Gloucestershire, The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is allowing visitors to get 'up close and personal' with aircraft that usually operate out of sight in 2025 — with a spy-centric, 'eyes in the skies' event theme.
Renowned as the world's largest military airshow — showcasing hundreds of awe-inspiring aircraft from all over the world — RIAT returns to its RAF Fairford base over three days from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July 2025, with its annual theme, an all-new hospitality area and 40-year anniversary celebrations all being announced this autumn 2024.
Through the 'eyes in the skies' theme, RIAT25 will highlight specialised aircraft that is used for intelligence, surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, surveying and reconnaissance, with specific details of the aircraft set to be shared in the coming months.
With more than 40,000 tickets already sold for 2025, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust — which organises the event — is looking to build on what was the most successful show in its history in 2024, with 248 aircraft welcomed from almost 30 different countries along with a sell-out crowd of 168,000 visitors.
Chief executive officer at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Paul Atherton said: 'This year’s show was a huge success and we are thrilled to see people are already booking tickets for next year.
'Planning is well underway and announcing our theme marks the start of the event cycle for RIAT25.
'Our event provides a special opportunity for people to see and interact with aircraft of all shapes and sizes. Next year’s theme means visitors should be able to get up close and personal with specialist aircraft that usually operate out of sight given the nature of their missions. We look forward to sharing our plans with you in the coming months.'
As well as the event theme, there's also a new spot from which to watch the show with your mates whilst lounging in a deck chair and enjoying good food, drinks and a DJ — Altitude.
Replacing the Wingtip Garden at the heart of the showground adjacent to the static aircraft line, the new enclosure will have a 'cool, contemporary vibe', with great views of all the action in the air from upper deck viewing spaces.
Tickets to Altitude will give visitors access to an all-inclusive cocktail bar with selected wine, prosecco, beer, cider, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and complimentary food.
And with 2025 marking 40 years since RIAT was first held in Gloucestershire, having began life in North Weald in 1971 and then taking place at Greenham Common, there will also be a presence at the showground looking back at the event's history in the county.
'RAF Fairford has been our home for the past four decades and in that time, we have seen some incredible aircraft at RIAT,' added CEO Paul Atherton.
'Therefore, it is only right we celebrate it with local people and visitors who have made the event what it is today.'
All profits created by RIAT are donated back to the RAF Charitable Trust, which works to promote the Royal Air Force, support its people and encourage aviation-related education for young people through financial grants, scholarships and other events and activities.
For more information about next year's event and to book tickets, visit airtattoo.com.
