The Red Arrows, the iconic display team of the Royal Air Force, have made a significant impact this year with their aerial performances. As the summer of 2025 began, the team celebrated the VE Day anniversary by flying over Buckingham Palace, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Thousands of spectators gathered in London to witness the impressive maneuvers of the RAF jet pilots.
During the recent state visit of the US President, notable figures such as Donald Trump, First Lady Melina, King Charles, and Queen Camilla were among those who watched the aerobatics team perform. However, for those who haven’t had the chance to see the Red Arrows yet, there are only two remaining opportunities this season—though one might require a last-minute trip.
When is the Last Red Arrows Display for 2025?
Throughout the year, the Red Arrows have performed at major air festivals across the UK and have even traveled abroad to countries like Greece, Denmark, Poland, Belgium, Malta, and the Czech Republic. Their busy schedule has led them to conduct nearly 5,000 displays in 57 countries by the end of 2025.
The final shows of the season will take place in two locations. The first is the Malta International Airshow, which will be held tomorrow at Safi Aviation Park, just a short taxi ride from Malta International Airport. If attending in person is not feasible, there’s still another opportunity on October 4 in Duxford, a village located 10 miles south of Cambridge.
Tickets for the Duxford Flying Finale Display can be booked online, though the exact timings have not been confirmed yet. While most of the events took place during the summer, the Red Arrow Pilots will not be taking a break in October. Instead, they will begin their winter training, which includes each pilot completing three sorties per day.
What Was the Red Arrows’ Schedule for 2025?
Here is a breakdown of the Red Arrows’ appearances throughout the year:
July 2025– 21 July – The Tall Ships Races, Aberdeen Display- 26 July – Swanage Carnival Display- 26 July – Old Buckenham Airshow Display- 27 July – Old Buckenham Airshow Display
August 2025– 09 August – Blackpool Airshow Display- 09 August – Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Flypast- 10 August – Blackpool Airshow Display- 13 August – Falmouth Week Display – 6.15pm- 14 August – Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow Display- 15 August – Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow Display- 16 August – Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow Display- 17 August – Airbourne – Eastbourne International Airshow Display- 20 August – Cromer Carnival Display- 21 August – Clacton Airshow Display- 22 August – Clacton Airshow Display- 22 August – Sidmouth Regatta Display- 24 August – Roskilde Airshow, Denmark Display- 30 August – Bucharest International Air Show Flypast- 30 August – Radom Airshow, Poland Display- 31 August – Radom Airshow, Poland Display
September 2025– 05 September – International Ayr Show, Scotland Display- 06 September – International Ayr Show, Scotland Display- 07 September – Great North Run, Newcastle/South Shields Display- 10 September – Guernsey Air Display- 11 September – Jersey International Air Display- 13 September – International Sanicole Airshow, Belgium Display- 14 September – International Sanicole Airshow, Belgium Display- 20 September – NATO Days – Ostrava, Czech Republic Display- 21 September – NATO Days – Ostrava, Czech Republic Display- 27 September – Malta International Airshow- 28 September – Malta International Airshow
October 2025– 04 October – Duxford Flying Finale Display
What Planes Are the Red Arrows?
The Red Arrows fly Hawk T1 fast-jets, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 660mph. These jets can exceed the speed of sound during dives. During their performances, the planes emit special red, white, and blue vapor, known as smoke. This smoke helps the pilots judge wind speed and direction and locate each other after flying several miles apart.
Maintaining the Red Arrows in flight is referred to as the “Circus,” as each aircraft requires a team of technicians to ensure it remains operational. The team consists of 11 pilots, 100 engineers, and support staff. To become a Red Arrow pilot, aspiring candidates must have a minimum of 1,500 flying hours, complete a frontline operational tour, and demonstrate above-average piloting skills. They then undergo rigorous testing and interviews.
Where Are the Red Arrows Based?
The home of the Red Arrows, known as “The Reds,” has changed several times over the years. Originally based at RAF Little Rissington in Gloucestershire, the team later moved to the Central Flying School before settling at what is now Cotswolds Airport in 1966. In 1983, they relocated to RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, where they remained for 40 years until being moved to RAF Waddington in late 2022. Scampton was intended to be used as a site for asylum seekers, but the plans were canceled last year.
