Celebrating 40 years since its first flight in Gloucestershire, the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) allows visitors to get ‘up close’ to aircraft that usually operate out of sight in 2025 – with a ‘focussed look espionage.” sky event theme.

Recognized as the world’s largest military airshow, showcasing hundreds of impressive aircraft from around the world, RIAT returns to its base at RAF Fairford for three days, from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July 2025, with the annual theme, a brand new hospitality. the region and its 40th anniversary celebrations will all be announced this fall 2024.

Through the theme “Eyes in the Sky”, RIAT25 will highlight specialist aircraft used for intelligence, surveillance, maritime patrol, search and rescue, surveying and reconnaissance, with specific details on planes which will be shared in the coming months.

With more than 40,000 tickets already sold for 2025, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust — which organizes the event — is looking to build on what has been the most successful show in its history in 2024, with 248 aircraft hosted in coming from nearly 30 different countries as well as a full house of 168,000 visitors.

Paul Atherton, chief executive of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: “This year’s show was a huge success and we’re delighted to see people are already booking tickets for next year.

“Planning is well underway and the announcement of our theme marks the start of the RIAT25 event cycle.

“Our event offers people a special opportunity 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 which generally operate out of sight given the nature of their missions. We look forward to sharing our plans with you in the coming months.

In addition to the event theme, there is also a new place to watch the show with your friends while lounging on a lounge chair and enjoying great food, drinks and a DJ: Altitude.

Replacing the Wingtip Garden at the heart of the exhibition grounds 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 the viewing areas from the upper deck.

Altitude tickets will give visitors access to an all-inclusive cocktail bar with a selection of wine, prosecco, beer, cider, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks and free food.

And as 2025 marks 40 years since the RIAT was first held in Gloucestershire, having started life in North Weald in 1971 and subsequently taking place at Greenham Common, there will also be a presence on the showground to return on the history of the event in the county.

“RAF Fairford has been our home for four decades and, over that time, we have seen some incredible aircraft at the RIAT,” added CEO Paul Atherton.

“It is therefore fitting that we celebrate it with the local people and visitors who have made the event what it is today.”

All profits created by RIAT are donated to the RAF Charitable Trust, which works to promote the Royal Air Force, support its employees and encourage the aviation education of young people through financial grants, scholarships and other events and activities.

For more information on next year’s event and to book tickets, visit airtattoo.com.