Snapshot: The world‑famous Farnborough International Airshow returns 20 – 24 July 2026 to Hampshire, UK. Expect boundary‑pushing aerospace tech, big‑ticket aircraft debuts, daily flying displays, and a special “Pioneers of Tomorrow” career‑focus day that opens the gates to students and enthusiasts.
Why Farnborough Matters
Held every two years since 1948, Farnborough is the European crossroads for aerospace innovation. Deals north of £100 billion are signed here, electric‑propulsion prototypes share ramp space with RAF Typhoons, and global media converge to watch the next-generation of aviation debut. For plane‑spotters, photographers, startup founders, or STEM students—it’s five days of jet‑fuelled possibility.
Key Dates & Daily Themes (20 – 24 July 2026)
| Date | Audience & Focus | Flying Display Window |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 20 Jul | Trade Day 1 • Opening ceremony • Order announcements | 14:00 – 16:00 |
| Tue 21 Jul | Trade Day 2 • Space & Sustainability forums | 14:00 – 16:00 |
| Wed 22 Jul | Trade Day 3 • Defence & Security focus • RAF Typhoon demo | 14:00 – 16:30 |
| Thu 23 Jul | Trade Day 4 • Advanced Air Mobility day • Airbus ZEROe update | 14:00 – 16:30 |
| Fri 24 Jul | Pioneers of Tomorrow (open to public, students & families) | 13:00 – 16:30 |
(Flying times provisional as of June 2025—check the FIA app for real‑time updates.)
Tickets & Registration
| Pass Type | Early‑Bird Price* | Standard Price* | Access |
| Trade 5‑Day | £205 + VAT | £249 + VAT | Mon‑Fri, exhibit halls, forums, flying display lounge |
| Trade 1‑Day | £65 + VAT | £78 + VAT | Any single trade day |
| Pioneers of Tomorrow (Fri) | Free (16‑25 yrs) | £30 adult | Exhibit halls + grandstand |
| Press Pass | Free (apply) | — | Press centre, mixed zone |
Indicative 2024 pricing—FIA 2026 rates officially release January 2026. Register early for a 15 % discount and priority session booking.
Booking Flow: Create an FIA account → submit company or individual credentials → pay online → download e‑badge (QR) to Apple/Google Wallet.
Must‑See Aircraft & Zones
1. Airbus A321XLR Flight‑Test Prototype
Fresh from certification flights, the stretched‑range single‑aisle jet is expected to perform a steep climb and short‑field landing demo.
2. RAF Tempest NGAD Mock‑Up
Britain’s sixth‑gen fighter concept returns with an expanded cockpit VR tour and live 3D‑printed wing‑spar demonstration.
3. Boeing Wisk Generation 6 eVTOL
Vertical showcase moves to Hall 4 with daily tethered hover tests—quiet enough to chat beneath!
4. Space Zone
European Space Agency, Astroscale, and Skyrora exhibit reusable launch vehicles, plus a live Rocket Lab Rutherford engine hot‑fire (static only).
5. Futures Lab
100+ start‑ups pitch robotics, AI flight‑deck tools, hydrogen storage, and more. Catch the daily 11:00 “Dragons’ Flight” investor panel.
Survival Guide: 12 Farnborough Hacks
- Trains Beat Traffic – South Western Railway runs fast services London Waterloo → Farnborough Main (35 min). Free shuttle buses every 8 min.
- Timing the Fly‑In – Arrivals peak Sat 18 & Sun 19 July from 10:00 to 16:00—ideal for photography from public footpaths on Ively Road.
- Bring Photo ID – Security is tight; passport or UK driving licence required alongside e‑badge.
- Layer Up – British summer is moody: hoodie + packable rain jacket + SPF 30.
- Download the FIA App – Gate wait times, session booking, and an AR plane‑ identification tool.
- Power Banks – Outlet scarcity is real. 20 000 mAh keeps cameras and phones alive all day.
- Grandstand Strategy – Grab north‑end seats for best light on afternoon displays (sun at your back).
- Cashless Site – All vendors take card or contactless; cash only at the vintage ice‑cream cart near Hall 1.
- Meet the Makers – Small stands in Hall 3 often house the real engineers—perfect for deep‑dive interviews.
- Spot the Concorde – The permanent static G‑BOAA is viewable via the TAG Heritage walk, just outside Gate A.
- Stay Hydrated – Refill fountains by each toilet block; UK tap water is safe.
- Beat the Exit Crush – Depart 30 min before flying ends or wait 90 min after—otherwise, bus queues snake 600 m.
FAQ
Is the show open to the public?
Only Friday 24 July (Pioneers of Tomorrow) welcomes the general public and families. Monday–Thursday remain trade‑only.
What’s the best photography gear?
A 100–400 mm zoom covers most runway action. Add a fast 24–70 mm for static displays inside halls.
Can I see the Red Arrows?
Negotiations are in progress—expect an official confirmation by March 2026. Historically, they close Friday’s flying.
Are drones allowed?
No. The Civil Aviation Authority enforces a restricted zone; any UAV will be confiscated.
Where do I park?
Pre‑booked car passes (£30/day) give you a space off Ively Road with a 10‑min shuttle. No pay‑on‑the‑day parking.
Final Approach
With its blend of billion‑pound deals, carbon‑free flight demos, and that unmistakable Rolls‑Royce engine‑whine echoing across Hampshire, Farnborough International Airshow 2026 is set to write the next chapter in aviation history. Bookmark this guide, share it with your flight‑obsessed pals, and stay tuned for real‑time coverage straight from the flight‑line.
Clear skies and safe travels to Farnborough! 🛫
Check out Farnborough Airport
