200,000 people flock to Gloucestershire/Wiltshire border for Royal International Air Tattoo
The event is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world
Last updated 18th Jul 2022
Around 200,000 people have flocked to the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire border in recent days, to enjoy the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).
The world's largest military airshow made a triumphant return to RAF Fairford, having been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Coronavirus crisis.
The three-day extravaganza, held July 15th - 17th, included several flying displays, special exhibitions and interactive family entertainment.
Event organisers also welcomed 266 aircraft and 1,500 crew members from across the globe, as well as celebrities including Tom Cruise. The Hollywood A-List actor, who starred as Maverick in the Top Gun movies, arrived at the airshow by flying his own helicopter!
Jo Salter, who worked at RIAT 2022, said: "I had the amazing opportunity to host Tom Cruise on Saturday and saw first-hand his passion for aviation and inspiring the next generation".
'Blown away by the support we have received'
Paul Atherton, Chief Executive of the RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, the RIAT organisers, said: "I've been blown away by the support we have received for the long-awaited return of RIAT.
"Around 200,000 people have been here this weekend - visitors, volunteers, partners, and all those involved in the build. I'd like to personally thank every single one of them for helping RIAT to return with such success".
With this year's RIAT being held in sweltering temperatures, the show's environmental impact was a discussion point during the three days. Bosses have now pledged to reduce its carbon footprint over the next few years.
Some eco-friendly changes had already been introduced at RAF Fairford for 2022, such as a reduction in single-use plastics and recycling a higher proportion of large items needed to host the event.