Eastbourne Airbourne 2026: Everything you need to know for the four-day airshow

Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Eastbourne when Airbourne returns to the town’s seafront today (Thursday, 13 August.)

The award-winning international airshow runs until Sunday, 16 August, with four days of military aircraft, historic warbirds, aerobatic displays and family entertainment.

Entry remains free, with the main event site on the Western Lawns open from 10.30am until 5pm each day. Flying is expected to begin around lunchtime and continue until approximately 5pm, although Saturday’s programme is scheduled to start earlier at 11.45am.

If you can't get to the airshow, you can watch all the action live on YouTube www.youtube.com/@AeroViewTV 

Thursday’s expected flying line-up

The opening day is expected to feature:

• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane
• RAF Tutor Display Team
• MiG-17
• P-51 Mustang “Marinell”
• Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display
• Navy Wings Wasp, appearing with the Black Cats
• Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts
• Solo AeroSuperBatics Wingwalker
• Stampe Formation Team
• The Firebirds

Friday’s expected flying line-up

Friday’s programme is expected to include:

• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane
• RAF Typhoon Display Team
• RAF Tutor Display Team
• Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Sally B”
• MiG-17
• P-51 Mustang “Marinell”
• Spirit of Kent Spitfire
• Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display
• Navy Wings Wasp, appearing with the Black Cats
• Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts
• Solo AeroSuperBatics Wingwalker
• Stampe Formation Team
• The Firebirds

Saturday’s expected flying line-up

Saturday’s flying is due to begin at the earlier time of 11.45am and is expected to feature:

• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane
• RAF Typhoon Display Team
• RAF Tutor Display Team
• Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Sally B”
• MiG-17
• P-51 Mustang “Marinell”
• Spirit of Kent Spitfire
• Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team
• Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display
• Conair Turbo Firecat
• Duo AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers
• The Starlings Aerobatic Team
• Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts

Sunday’s expected flying line-up

The final day is expected to include:

• Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane
• RAF Typhoon Display Team
• RAF Tutor Display Team
• Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress “Sally B”
• P-51 Mustang “Marinell”
• Spirit of Kent Spitfire
• Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team
• Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display
• Conair Turbo Firecat
• Duo AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers
• The Starlings Aerobatic Team
• Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts

The event will end with entertainment at Wish Tower beach from around 8pm, followed by a firework display at 9pm.

Changes to this year’s programme

The Red Arrows will not appear at this year’s event after adverse weather in North America delayed the team’s return from an overseas tour.

Organisers responded by adding Europe’s last airworthy Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, “Sally B”, to the programme from Friday to Sunday. A Conair Turbo Firecat firefighting aircraft will also demonstrate its water-dropping capabilities on Saturday and Sunday.

The previously announced F-86 Sabre and Mélanie Astles aerobatic display were withdrawn because of technical issues affecting their aircraft.

All displays remain subject to weather, aircraft serviceability and operational commitments. The preliminary running order is contained in the £10 official programme, with programme holders able to collect updated daily flying times from the Information Stand on the Western Lawns or the Seafront Office. The latest aircraft list can be found on the Airbourne website.

Hot-weather and fire warning

Hot and sunny conditions are expected during the opening days, while the South Downs and surrounding countryside remain exceptionally dry.

Visitors are being urged to bring refillable water bottles, use the free refill points, wear light clothing, apply sunscreen regularly and bring a hat or umbrella for shade. People whose medical conditions can be worsened by hot weather should consider whether it is safe for them to attend.

Barbecues and open fires are prohibited throughout the event site, including the beaches, and will be removed by marshals.

Cigarettes must be fully extinguished, while glass bottles and litter should not be left behind because of the risk of starting a fire. Anyone spotting smoke or flames should move to safety and call 999 immediately. The council has issued additional wildfire precautions.

People entering the sea should follow lifeguard and public-address announcements, stay away from groynes and never enter the water when a red flag is flying.

Drones, balloons and other unmanned aerial devices are prohibited within the airshow site and restricted airspace. Hearing protection is recommended for babies, young children and anyone sensitive to loud noise, particularly during the Typhoon display.

Free Kidzsafe wristbands will be available from the Information Stand, Lifeguard Station and Seafront Office. First-aid points will be located near the Pier, Bandstand and RNLI Museum.

Getting to Airbourne

Organisers are encouraging visitors to use public transport because of heavy traffic and extensive seafront road closures.

Eastbourne railway station is around a 10 to 15-minute walk from the central event area. Bus services from Brighton, Hastings and surrounding towns will operate with diversions, while service 3 links the station area with the Winter Garden near the show site.

Road closures affect sections of King Edward’s Parade, Grand Parade and Marine Parade, together with Devonshire Place, Cavendish Place, Wilmington Square and several surrounding roads. Visitors should allow extra time and plan their return journey before travelling.

The Five Acres Field Park and Bus site at Lottbridge Drove will open from 9am. Parking costs £22 when booked in advance or £27 on the day, with bus fares charged separately.

King Edward’s Parade premium parking costs £40 in advance or £45 on the day, while Beachy Head Park and View costs £22 in advance or £27 on arrival. All official car parks are card-only.

Disabled parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at Devonshire Place from 8am until 6.30pm. Free cycle parks are provided at Wilmington Square and Howard Square, but bicycles cannot be taken through the main event site.

The heart of Airbourne is the Western Lawns, where visitors will find military exhibitions, simulators, children’s attractions, food outlets and trade stands.

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