FighterControl

Hi Guys,

Hoping for some guidance.

I'll be attending RIAT 2025 on the Sunday, as a first timer. I know the programme isn't available in advance and I'm trying to get an idea of how the flying display scheduling has worked on previous RIAT Sundays.

So, I know the display runs from 10am, I'm particularly interested in watching fighter jets, the Red Arrows and the WW2 Memorial flight.

Would anyone have an idea when those types of displays get into the air i.e. if I turn up at 10, am I likely to be waiting for 1,2,3+ hours?

Will be grateful for any experienced guidance.

Many thanks.

David L

It's different every year

Thanks Mark.

Does anyone else have any knowledge on this?

If you turn up at 10am it may take a long time stuck in traffic queues waiting to get in.

NorvilleRogers wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 08, 2025 5:12 pm

If you turn up at 10am it may take a long time stuck in traffic queues waiting to get in.

Fortunately, I've paid for the "Aviation Club" with priority entrance.

Again, any help with my question would be gratefully received.

Not much help but Sunday is usually the same display items as Saturday but in a different running order but also there maybe some additions or omissions so very difficult to predict what will be displaying when until you get the program

Aviation club won’t give you priority access when you’re stuck in miles of traffic. If it’s your first time at RIAT you’re better getting there as early as you can as there’s loads to see on static etc as well as the flying. The flying will be 10am till 5pm ish based on previous, they usually spread acts out so if the first 3 are a jet, a heli and a display team then the last will be similar.

DL wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 08, 2025 4:58 pm

Thanks Mark.

Does anyone else have any knowledge on this?

I do. It's different every year.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but from previous years we won't know the schedule until Wednesday of show week at the earliest, i.e. when the physical programmes are available to buy on site?

Even so I think they have provided a separate print-out for the latest schedule in recent years because of last minute changes etc.

The show often starts with a fast jet and ends with a display team. Jets are spread out throughout the day i.e. you won't be waiting long for a jet even if it's not the very first display. This year seems to have more choppers and less display teams but these too are spread out to provide a balance throughout the day. The Red Arrows are typically mid day, especially if they're doing a special formation with another aircraft, but this isn't guaranteed. If there's something you particularly want to see, get there early. Queue's can be long and entry slow, especially with added security of recent years. Many don't get to see the first few displays.

Campbell89 wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 09, 2025 8:42 am

Aviation club won’t give you priority access when you’re stuck in miles of traffic. If it’s your first time at RIAT you’re better getting there as early as you can as there’s loads to see on static etc as well as the flying. The flying will be 10am till 5pm ish based on previous, they usually spread acts out so if the first 3 are a jet, a heli and a display team then the last will be similar.

The show might be longer this year as it usually finishes about 5.30pm but Peter head of RIAT said on UKAR that they were looking at running 30mins over the normal time this year.

mprl wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 08, 2025 5:39 pm

Not much help but Sunday is usually the same display items as Saturday but in a different running order but also there maybe some additions or omissions so very difficult to predict what will be displaying when until you get the program

Not always 2022 had the same running order for the display on Saturday and Sunday.

DL wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 08, 2025 4:23 pm

Hi Guys,

Hoping for some guidance.

I'll be attending RIAT 2025 on the Sunday, as a first timer. I know the programme isn't available in advance and I'm trying to get an idea of how the flying display scheduling has worked on previous RIAT Sundays.

So, I know the display runs from 10am, I'm particularly interested in watching fighter jets, the Red Arrows and the WW2 Memorial flight.

Would anyone have an idea when those types of displays get into the air i.e. if I turn up at 10, am I likely to be waiting for 1,2,3+ hours?

Will be grateful for any experienced guidance.

Many thanks.

David L

As many people have said get there early belive me there is people queuing from 4am so the earlier you are there the better.