Red Arrows forced to pull out of Eastbourne Airshow

THE Red Arrows have been forced to cancel their appearance at this year’s Airbourne after poor weather in Canada delayed the team’s return to the UK.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team had been expected to resume its 2026 display season in time for Eastbourne’s international airshow, which takes place next week. However, RAF officials have confirmed the team will now be unable to perform at Airbourne, as well as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.

The display team has been based in North America as part of Operation Eagle Hawk, a tour of the United States. Their planned return across the Atlantic was postponed after prolonged periods of poor weather affected north-eastern Canada.

Although the team now hopes to begin the multi-stage journey back to the UK during the week commencing August 10, the revised schedule means it will not arrive in time for the three high-profile events.

Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding the RAF Aerobatic Team, said: “We are very sorry the Red Arrows cannot participate at these events and we are grateful to organisers and communities for their understanding.

“Every effort is being made to ensure the Red Arrows can recommence the busy display season as soon as possible.

“However, safety is the only factor that will determine the timing of the team’s return from Canada.”

Eastbourne Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism & Place, Cllr Jenny Williams, said: “We were all looking forward to welcoming the Red Arrows back to the blue and sunny skies above Eastbourne, but we understand that the safety of the team must always come first. I wish them all a safe journey home.

“In response to this news our wonderful Airbourne events team has been working around the clock, and so I’m delighted to be able to announce some additional displays.

“Joining the line-up from Friday to Sunday is the iconic Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’, the last remaining airworthy example in Europe, which has featured in films and on TV.

“And making its Airbourne debut is the international Conair Turbo Firecat, based in France, which will deliver a spectacular and unique water display on Saturday and Sunday.

“These exciting additions complement an already exceptional flying programme, which includes crowd favourites such as the RAF Typhoon Display Team, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team, the Black Cats, AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers and the Jet Pitts, alongside a host of military and civilian aircraft performing across the four days.

“Finally, my thanks to all those who make Airbourne happen and the thousands of people who love our amazing airshow – your support means everything.”

The RAF said the Atlantic crossing is particularly challenging for the Red Arrows because the Hawk jets cannot be refuelled in the air. Instead, the aircraft must make several refuelling stops, with each stage heavily dependent on favourable weather conditions and the availability of RAF support aircraft, including search-and-rescue cover and engineering teams.

During the unexpected delay in Canada, engineers carried out scheduled maintenance on the aircraft to ensure they are ready to return to the display circuit as quickly as possible once they reach the UK.

The RAF thanked aviation enthusiasts for their messages of support and said the team’s priority remains making a safe return before resuming the remainder of its summer display programme.