The 2027 dates are already filling in, and a good few organisers have their tickets on sale before Christmas. That’s earlier than you might expect, and it matters. The best enclosures, campsites and nearby rooms go first, and they go fast.

This guide covers the UK season month by month, then the big shows abroad that are worth planning a trip around. Every date below has been checked against the organiser’s own website. Where a show hasn’t announced 2027 yet, I’ve said so and given you the last date it ran, so you know roughly when to look. Our aviation events calendar is updated as dates are confirmed, so it’s worth bookmarking.

Dates last checked: 24 October 2026. Displays are always subject to weather and serviceability, so check the organiser’s site before you travel.

2027 at a glance

Still to be announced: the Royal Air Force Air Show at Cosford, Southport, the Wales Airshow at Swansea, Little Gransden, Sywell’s Pistons & Props and Wings Over Houston. More on each below.

Winter and early spring: January to April

The UK flying season doesn’t really get going until May, but there’s plenty to fill the gap, and the southern hemisphere is in full swing.

Shuttleworth in Lights – 1–3 January 2027

Old Warden, Bedfordshire. Not an air show, but a lovely way to start the year. The Shuttleworth estate is lit up after dark, and the last run of dates crosses into January. See it on our calendar.

Aero India – 8–12 February 2027

Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru, India. Mainly a defence and aerospace trade show, with flying displays too. One for the dedicated traveller. On our calendar.

Avalon Australian International Airshow – 23–28 February 2027

Avalon Airport, Geelong, Victoria. Australia’s biggest air show. The first three days are for trade, then the public programme starts on Friday 26 February with the Night Alight twilight show, followed by two full days of flying. Tickets go on sale through Ticketek in November 2026. For Avalon and the rest of the Australian season, see our Australian airshows 2027 guide. On our calendar.

Classic Fighters Omaka – 26–28 March 2027 (Easter weekend)

Omaka Aerodrome, Blenheim, New Zealand. If you love First and Second World War aircraft, this is the one people talk about for years afterwards. Omaka is known for its themed set-piece displays, with fireworks and classic cars as part of the weekend. Early bird tickets are on sale now. On our calendar.

SUN ’n FUN Aerospace Expo – 6–11 April 2027

Lakeland Linder International Airport, Florida. The unofficial start of the American fly-in season. It’s six days of general aviation, exhibitors and afternoon air shows, and a lot of people camp on site. The US Navy Blue Angels are on the 2027 programme for 10–11 April, a month after they open their season at NAF El Centro on 13 March (our El Centro guide has the details). On our calendar.

AERO Friedrichshafen – 14–17 April 2027

Messe Friedrichshafen, Germany. Europe’s main general aviation show. It’s more of an exhibition than an air show, so come here if you’re thinking of buying, building or learning to fly. Pilots can fly in to the show. On our calendar.

May: the season opens

Duxford Flying Days: VE Day – Saturday 8 May 2027

IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Duxford’s smaller themed days give you up to two hours of scheduled flying as part of a normal museum visit. They’re a calmer way to see the collection fly, and IWM members get in free.

Shuttleworth Season Premiere – Sunday 9 May 2027

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire. The first show of the Shuttleworth year, and a chance to see which of the collection’s veterans have come through the winter. Old Warden is a grass airfield with a small, close crowd line, and it suits the older aircraft beautifully.

Shuttleworth Military Air Show – Saturday 29 May 2027

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire. Military aircraft, vehicles and living history, in tribute to everyone who has served. It’s a firm favourite with regulars.

June: the busiest month

June 2027 is packed, with two clashes in the first weekend alone. If you can only do one big show, plan around this month.

Midlands Air Festival – 4–6 June 2027

Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire. A proper festival weekend in the grounds of a stately home. There are hot air balloons as well as flying displays, and Friday’s Nightfire evening brings pyrotechnic displays at dusk. Camping is available, but only if you buy a three-day ticket.

English Riviera Airshow – 4–6 June 2027

Paignton, Devon. Torbay Council has confirmed three days of flying and entertainment over Paignton for 2027. Nearly 200,000 people came over the 2026 weekend, its tenth anniversary, so book your room early.

Duxford Flying Days: D-Day – Saturday 5 June 2027

IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Another of the smaller themed days, timed for the D-Day anniversary.

Royal Air Force Air Show (formerly RAF Cosford Air Show) – date to be confirmed

RAF Cosford, Shropshire. The RAF announced at the 2026 show that Cosford’s event will be renamed the Royal Air Force Air Show from 2027, with the same team and the same venue. The official site doesn’t show the 2027 date yet, though aviation press is reporting Sunday 13 June. It was last held on Sunday 14 June 2026. A practical tip from the organisers: screenshot your tickets before you arrive and bring some cash, because phone signal on the airfield can be patchy.

Paris Air Show – 14–20 June 2027

Paris–Le Bourget, France. The 2027 show is the big one for the industry, because Farnborough only runs in even years. The early part of the week is for trade visitors, so check siae.fr for which days are open to the public before you book the Eurostar. On our calendar.

Duxford Summer Air Show – 19–20 June 2027

IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Fast jets, aerobatics and historic aircraft over the airfield that played such a big part in the Battle of Britain. There’s a funfair and live music too, and children aged 15 and under go free, which makes it one of the better-value family days of the summer.

Southport and Armed Forces Day – Saturday 26 June 2027

Southport, Merseyside. Southport has been chosen to host the national Armed Forces Day event on Saturday 26 June 2027. Sefton Council has said the town’s air show will be part of those celebrations, with details to follow. The 2026 air show was held on 29–30 August, so 2027 will be a change from the usual late-summer slot. We’ll add the flying details to our calendar once they’re out.

Shuttleworth Festival of Flight – 26–27 June 2027

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire. Shuttleworth’s flagship weekend, and the one to choose if you only go to Old Warden once. It clashes with Southport, so you’ll have to pick.

Ear defenders for the whole family

If you’re going to a show with fast jets, pack hearing protection for everyone, sized for each person. These are the ones we’d look at for adults, children and babies.

Bestseller #1

Dr.meter Noise Cancelling Headphones For Kids 2PACK, Kids Ear Pro…

$18.85

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller #2

BANZ Baby Ear Muffs Noise Cancelling Headphones, Infant, Sky Blue

$34.99

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller #3

3M PELTOR Ear Muff Hearing Protection, X5 Series, Noise Protectio…

$45.83

Buy on Amazon

July: RIAT and Oshkosh

Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) – 16–18 July 2027

RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire. The biggest military air show in the world, and tickets for RIAT27 are already on sale. It’s a long, hot, tiring day, but nothing else in the UK brings together this many air forces. If you can, spend the money on a Fast-Track car park or a Park & Ride place. You’ll get back hours of your day. On our calendar.

Fairford is a small Cotswold town, so rooms near the airfield go quickly for Air Tattoo weekend. This map shows hotels, B&Bs and rentals around RAF Fairford for the show dates:

Shuttleworth Summer Air Show – Saturday 24 July 2027

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire. A midsummer show on the grass, and a good one to choose if June is too busy.

Wales Airshow – date to be confirmed

Swansea Bay. Swansea Council is already planning for 2027, but there’s no date yet. The 2026 show was on 25–26 July, flown over the bay.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh – 26 July–1 August 2027

Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. A week-long aviation town. Thousands of aircraft fly in, people camp under their wings, and there’s flying every afternoon. If you’re going to cross the Atlantic for one show in your life, make it this one. Rooms in and around Oshkosh are famously hard to find that week, which is why so many people camp. Our Oshkosh AirVenture guide covers the basics of getting there, tickets and camping.

Duxford Flying Days: The Americans – Friday 30 July 2027

IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire. A flying day themed around the Americans, as part of a normal museum visit.

Bray Air Display – Saturday 31 July 2027

Bray seafront, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. A friendly seaside display just south of Dublin. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already visiting Ireland.

August: seaside season

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow – 12–15 August 2027

Eastbourne seafront, East Sussex. The UK’s biggest free seafront air show, with four days and a two-mile display line. Bring a windbreak and get to the beach early, especially on the weekend days.

Duxford Flying Evening – Saturday 14 August 2027

IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Sunset flying, warbirds and airborne pyrotechnics, from 5pm. Tickets are advance only, with nothing sold on the gate. For photographers, the light alone is worth the ticket.

Shuttleworth Wings & Wheels – Saturday 14 August 2027

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire. Aircraft and classic vehicles together. It’s on the same day as the Duxford Flying Evening, and the two are under an hour’s drive apart, so a very keen visitor could just about do both.

Clacton Airshow – 26–27 August 2027

Clacton seafront, Essex. Tendring District Council’s free two-day show, on a Thursday and Friday, so it’s worth booking the time off work. It relies on donations, so do put something in the bucket.

Shuttleworth Flying Proms – Saturday 28 August 2027

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire. Vintage aircraft flown to live orchestral music on a summer evening. Bring a picnic and a blanket. It’s quite unlike any other show on this list.

Little Gransden Air & Car Show – date to be confirmed

Little Gransden Airfield, Cambridgeshire. A village grass-strip show that raises money for BBC Children in Need, with hundreds of classic vehicles. The last one was on Sunday 30 August 2026, and the 2027 date isn’t out yet.

September and autumn: the season winds down

International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight – 3–4 September 2027

Low Green, Ayr, South Ayrshire. Scotland’s big seafront show returns for a fifth year. Flying is on the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, and the Red Arrows and Typhoon headlined in 2026.

Jersey International Air Display – Thursday 9 September 2027

St Aubin’s Bay, Jersey. Four hours of flying over one of the prettiest bays in the Channel Islands, from 1pm to 5pm. If you’re there for the week, it’s a good day out.

Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show – 11–12 September 2027

IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Spitfires, Hurricanes and the atmosphere of 1940, with living history and vintage entertainment on the ground. For warbird fans, this is the highlight of Duxford’s year. Children aged 15 and under go free.

International Sanicole Airshow – 11–12 September 2027

Sanicole Airfield, Hechtel-Eksel, Belgium. The Saturday is a sunset show from 5pm to 8.45pm, and the main show runs on Sunday from 10am to 5.30pm. It’s on the same weekend as Duxford’s Battle of Britain show, so you’ll need to choose.

Shuttleworth Season Finale – Saturday 25 September 2027

Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire. New for 2027, and a last chance to see the collection fly before winter.

Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props – date to be confirmed

Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire. Classic cars on the ground and in the air, plus live music. It ran on 26–27 September 2026, and 2027 hasn’t been announced yet.

Duxford Flying Finale – Saturday 2 October 2027

IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire. One last day of flying to close the Duxford season.

Wings Over Houston – date to be confirmed

Ellington Airport, Houston, Texas. One of America’s best-loved autumn shows. The 2026 show is on 31 October–1 November with the USAF Thunderbirds (on our calendar), and the 2027 date isn’t on the official site yet. If you’re in the US this autumn, our round-up of the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds’ remaining 2026 shows and our guide to the Stuart Air Show night show in Florida (13–15 November 2026) are a good place to start, and our guide to the best air shows in the USA covers the big American names.

Dubai Airshow – 15–19 November 2027

Dubai World Central, UAE. A huge aerospace trade show. It’s mostly an industry event, but if you’re in the Gulf that week it’s well worth a look.

Taking a break in 2027

Some familiar names won’t be on the 2027 calendar:

• Farnborough International Airshow runs in even years, so the next one is July 2028. Our Farnborough guide explains how the trade and public days work. It’s already on our calendar.
• Bournemouth Air Festival hasn’t been held since 2024, and no return has been confirmed.
• RNAS Yeovilton Air Day was last held in 2019. The Royal Navy said it hoped to bring it back once runway work finishes, which it expected to be in 2028.
• Old Buckenham Airshow is taking a break after 15 years and plans to be back in 2028.
• Abingdon is changing after 25 years of air shows. The 2027 event will mainly be a country show and classic vehicle rally, with flypasts and a few static aircraft. Tickets go on sale in early 2027.
• Northern Ireland International Airshow at Portrush has been postponed to 2028.
• Airshow China in Zhuhai is held every two years. Its latest edition is on 7–13 December 2026 (on our calendar), so there isn’t one in 2027.

Tickets: why booking early pays

Most of the big shows now sell tickets in tiers, with early bird prices, then standard, then on the day if any are left. RIAT, Duxford, Shuttleworth and Omaka already have 2027 tickets on sale, and Duxford’s Flying Evening is advance only. Here are a few habits that save money and stress:

• Sign up to the organiser’s newsletter. That’s usually where early bird prices and line-up news appear first.
• Book parking with your ticket. At the bigger shows, the car park is often the longest wait of the day.
• Buy only from the official site or the ticket agent it links to. Resale sites charge extra, and your ticket may not be valid.
• Read the weather and refund policy. Most shows go ahead in the rain, and many won’t refund just because a headline act drops out.

What to bring

An air show is a long day outdoors, and most airfields have very little shade. Here’s what I’d take:

• Sun cream, a hat and a waterproof, because you’ll probably need all three in a British summer.
• A folding chair or something to sit on, as there are rarely enough seats.
• Water and snacks. Food queues at lunchtime can be long, and many shows let you bring your own picnic. Check the rules first.
• Some cash, in case the card machines lose signal.
• A fully charged phone and a battery pack, with your tickets saved offline.
• Binoculars or a long lens for the high, fast displays.

A chair and sun cream

The two things people most often wish they’d brought.

Bestseller #1

GCI OUTDOOR Freestyle Rocker Camping Chair | Portable Folding Roc…

$80.00

Buy on Amazon

Bestseller #2

Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, 6 oz (2 Pack)

$13.99

Buy on Amazon

Bringing children: ear defenders and binoculars

Fast jets are seriously loud, and a Typhoon on full reheat can upset even a child who’s excited to see it. Proper ear defenders sized for children are the most useful thing you can pack, and babies need ones made for infants. Put them on before the jets start rather than once the noise has begun.

A small pair of children’s binoculars keeps young ones busy between displays and helps them follow the action. Agree a meeting point the moment you arrive, because crowd lines are long and everyone tends to look the same.

Binoculars

A compact pair of binoculars is easy for older children to hold and brings the flying displays much closer.

Bestseller #1

Nikon ACULON A30 10×25 Compact Binoculars – Lightweight Dual-Hing…

$86.95

Buy on Amazon

Camping and hotels

For RIAT, the seaside shows and any weekend in June, rooms near the venue fill months ahead. Book a room you can cancel as soon as you know you’re going. It costs nothing to change your mind later, and it beats paying last-minute prices.

Camping is a great way to do a multi-day show. You beat the morning traffic and get the evening atmosphere. The Midlands Air Festival offers camping with three-day tickets, and camping is a big part of SUN ’n FUN and Oshkosh. At the UK seafront shows, staying in town and walking to the front is usually easier than driving in.

Keep up with 2027 dates

Plenty of 2027 dates still haven’t been announced, especially for the smaller shows. Our aviation events calendar is updated as organisers confirm their dates, with a link to the official source for each event, so check back there before you plan. To find an airfield near a show, or to plan a visit to collections like Duxford and Shuttleworth, browse our directory of airports and airfields and aviation museums. If you run an aviation event and it isn’t listed, let us know.

Clear skies, and see you on the crowd line.

Sources

Dates were checked against these pages on 24 October 2026.

• Royal International Air Tattoo, 16–18 July 2027
• IWM Duxford Flying Season 2027 (Summer Air Show 19–20 Jun, Flying Evening 14 Aug, Battle of Britain 11–12 Sep, Flying Finale 2 Oct, Flying Days 8 May, 5 Jun, 30 Jul)
• Duxford Summer Air Show
• Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show
• Duxford Flying Evening
• Shuttleworth 2027 air show season
• Shuttleworth in Lights (1–3 Jan 2027)
• Airbourne Eastbourne, 12–15 August 2027
• Clacton Airshow, 26–27 August 2027
• Midlands Air Festival, 4–6 June 2027
• English Riviera Airshow, 4–6 June 2027 (Torbay Council, 20 Jul 2026)
• International Ayr Show, 3–4 September 2027 (South Ayrshire Council)
• Jersey International Air Display, 9 September 2027
• Armed Forces Day national event, Southport, 26 June 2027
• Southport Air Show 2026 (29–30 Aug 2026)
• Southport 2027 show to be part of Armed Forces Day (Sefton Council quoted)
• RAF Cosford Air Show 2026 (14 June 2026)
• Renamed Royal Air Force Air Show from 2027 (BBC, 14 Jun 2026)
• Royal Air Force Air Show 13 June 2027 (press report, not yet official)
• Wales Airshow 2026 (25–26 July 2026) and 2027 plans
• Little Gransden Air & Car Show 2026 (30 Aug 2026)
• Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props 2026 (26–27 Sep 2026)
• Abingdon (Air) Country Show 2027
• Old Buckenham Airshow (break, back 2028)
• Bournemouth Air Festival status (official destination site)
• RNAS Yeovilton Air Day (Royal Navy statement, via Somerset Live)
• NI International Airshow postponed to 2028 (BBC)
• Paris Air Show, 14–20 June 2027
• EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, 26 July–1 August 2027
• Avalon, 23–28 February 2027
• AERO Friedrichshafen, 14–17 April 2027
• SUN ’n FUN, 6–11 April 2027
• Classic Fighters Omaka, 26–28 March 2027
• Aero India, 8–12 February 2027
• International Sanicole Airshow, 11–12 September 2027
• Bray Air Display, 31 July 2027
• Dubai Airshow, 15–19 November 2027
• Wings Over Houston 2026 (31 Oct–1 Nov 2026)
• Airshow China 2026 (official announcement)

Affiliate disclosure: AviatorFinds participates in affiliate programmes, including Amazon Associates. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.