The Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Red Arrows aerobatic display team has canceled a series of upcoming appearances after delays returning to the UK from a US tour.
On August 8, 2026, the RAF said the Red Arrows would not be able to complete displays at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.
The RAF explained that a prolonged period of poor weather in the north-eastern regions of Canada, meant the Red Arrows’ return from a tour of the United States was postponed last week.
“It is now anticipated this Atlantic crossing will be able to begin again from late next week based on more favorable conditions,” a spokesperson for the RAF said.
The Red Arrows’ Hawk aircraft have a limited range and cannot carry out air-to-air refueling, so the Atlantic crossing must be done in stages.
The RAF said conditions in north-east Canada has been “particularly challenging” making the return difficult, particularly with the Atlantic’s “complex weather patterns”.
With only a small number of diversion airfields available when crossing the Atlantic, the Red Arrows rely on RAF support aircraft, including search-and-rescue cover and those “carrying essential technical equipment, in the right place, at the right time”.
“A reasonable buffer window, to help mitigate potential delays for the Atlantic return, was always factored into the planning of Operation Eagle Hawk based on vast experience gained during previous crossings safely carried out in 2019 and 2024,” the RAF said.
While temporarily based at CFB Goose Bay in Canada scheduled engineering that was due to take place in the UK was carried out by team personnel.
“We are very sorry the Red Arrows cannot participate at these events, and we are grateful to organizers and communities for their understanding,” Wing Commander Sasha Nash, Officer Commanding RAF Aerobatic Team, said. “Every effort is being made to ensure the Red Arrows can recommence the busy display season as soon as possible.”
Nash added: “However, safety is the only factor that will determine the timing of the team’s return from Canada.”