The International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight 2025 is set to take the skies by storm, featuring all Royal Air Force (RAF) assets including the iconic Red Arrows. The highly anticipated air show will occur on Friday, September 5, and Saturday, September 6, 2025, atop Ayr’s picturesque shorefront, making it the perfect backdrop for this thrilling display of aviation prowess.
At the heart of the festival is the renowned Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, who will be showcasing their exciting aerobatic skills, including the breathtaking Diamond Nine formation and impressive synchro pair opposition passes. Aviation enthusiasts will have double the opportunity to witness these aerial spectacles, as the team performs on both days of the festival.
The festival’s theme, “The Royal Air Force in Scotland,” promises to deliver an exhilarating lineup of RAF aircraft, supporting the objective of celebrating the contribution of the RAF to Scottish heritage. Joining the Red Arrows will be several fan-favorite aircraft, including the ever-popular Typhoon, which has wowed crowds with its agile displays during 2023 and 2024. Enthusiasts are sure to be thrilled as the Typhoon takes part once more this September.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will also make its much-anticipated return, showcasing its fleet of World War Two aircraft, which have been lovingly preserved and kept flying. Highlighting this collection will be the iconic Lancaster and the Hurricane, stirring nostalgic memories for many and bringing history alive above the skies.
Not to be missed, the RAF Falcons Parachute display team will be on hand, ready to wow the audience with their thrilling free fall performances. The dedication and skill of these parachutists captured the audience's hearts back in 2024, and they are expected to do so again this year.
Adding to the excitement, the Grob Tutor, known for its role as an elementary training aircraft, will also debut at this year’s festival, providing spectators with more opportunities to see diverse military aircraft at work.
Dr. Geoff Coxon, CEO of theSKYLAB, expressed enthusiasm for the show’s growth: “When we applied for military support for the airshow in September 2024, we wanted to have the Red Arrows for both days. We are absolutely delighted they have chosen to support us fully, especially as we had exceptionally strong competition internationally this year. It clearly shows how important our airshow has become in the display calendar and how much Scotland means to the Royal Air Force.”
Councillor Martin Dowey, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, echoed this positivity, stating, “It’s the announcement we’ve all been waiting for! I’m sure visitors will be delighted to see the Red Arrows top the bill. There’s lots to look forward to at the airshow this September, and these spectacular aircraft are sure to draw crowds to Ayr’s Low Green.”
South Ayrshire Council Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture, and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark, also expressed his delight about the lineup: “It’s very exciting to confirm the Red Arrows will headline the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight. It’s also an honor to welcome the beautifully preserved aircraft of the BBMF, and I’m sure aviation enthusiasts will be thrilled with the lineup of new and returning aircraft this year.”
With such thrilling aircraft taking to the skies and the festival fostering strong community and historical connections, anticipation is soaring high for the 2025 International Ayr Show. This event not only provides spectacular displays but also serves as perfect family entertainment, promising to draw both locals and tourists alike to Ayr’s Low Green, showcasing the beauty of aviation and its connection to Scotland’s rich heritage.
Visitors are already preparing for this incredible two-day air show, with local accommodations expected to fill quickly as even the most casual of aviation fans will certainly not want to miss seeing some of the most powerful and cherished aircraft of our time perform.
Mark your calendars for September 5 and 6, 2025, and get ready to enjoy everything the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight has to offer. This celebration of the RAF promises to be exhilarating, both for avid aviation aficionados and families wishing to spend quality time together at this unforgettable event.
