Will the Red Arrows display go ahead today? Why Eastbourne Airshow flight was cancelled after technical issues

The Red Arrows cancelled a scheduled display at Eastbourne Airshow in East Sussex on Thursday due to technical problems with its Hawk aircraft.

They also cancelled an appearance at Cromer Carnival in Norfolk on Wednesday, and Friday’s planned performances are in doubt.

The Red Arrows’ Twitter account posted on Thursday: “Due to engineering issues with our Hawk aircraft, this afternoon’s display at @EB_Airshow will, unfortunately, not take place. We regret the cancellation but safety is our highest priority. Work continues to resolve the matter and no decisions have yet been taken on Friday’s show.”

The planes are due to perform at Odiham Families Day on Friday, before a second scheduled appearance at Eastbourne Airshow.

They are also supposed to put on displays in Eastbourne on Saturday and Sunday, as well as flypasts over Folkestone and Southend.

If the remaining Eastbourne shows are cancelled people will still be able to enjoy performances from the likes of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Team Raven formation team and Tigers parachute display team.

What is the Red Arrows’ flight path today?

If the Red Arrows are able to perform today here are the routes they will take:

RAF Odiham Families Day display

1. 511403N 0005634W ODIHAM AD – 1.25pm
2. 512611N 0011734W SW OF CURRIDGE – 1.28pm
3. 511807N 0010320W VCY BASINGSTOKE – 1.29pm
4. 511408N 0005614W ODIHAM DISPLAY – 1.30pm
5. 511012N 0004919W S OF ROWLEDGE – 1.56pm
6. 511403N 0005634W ODIHAM AD – 1.57pm

Eastbourne display

1. 511403N 0005634W ODIHAM AD – 4.15pm
2. 510722N 0005904W SW OF CHAWTON – 4.17pm
3. 505803N 0005342W VCY OF SOUTH HARTING – 4.18pm
4. 505900N 0000828W SW OF HAYWOODS HEATH – 4.23pm
5. 504924N 0001020E W OF BERWICK – 4.26pm
6. 504531N 0001727E EASTBOURNE DISPLAY – 4.27pm
7. 504133N 0002438E OVERSEA – 4.28pm
8. 505501N 0002311E VCY PONTS GREEN – 4.52pm
9. 510153N 0002949W NE OF WISBROUGH GREEN – 4.58pm
10. 511403N 0005634W ODIHAM AD – 5.05pm

When are the next Red Arrows displays?

Here are all the upcoming appearances from the Red Arrows:

August

• 17-20 August – Eastbourne International Airshow display
• 20 August – Folkestone Air display
• 24-25 August – Clacton Airshow display
• 25 August – Sidmouth Airshow display
• 26-27 August – Rhyl Airshow display
• 31 August – Bournemouth Air Festival display

September

• 1-3 September – Bournemouth Air Festival display
• 9 September – Southport Airshow display
• 9 September – Scottish International Ayr Show display
• 10 September – The Great North Run display
• 14 September – Jersey International Air display
• 14 September – Guernsey Air display
• 16-17 September – Duxford Battle of Britain Airshow

What are the Red Arrows?

The Red Arrows are the aerobatic display team of the RAF – officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. Formed in 1964, their flypasts have become must-see events, and the displays often grace major national commemorations.

Made up of nine red jets, they entertain crowds with their thrilling manoeuvres and perfect formation flying, often accompanied with red, white and blue smoke trailing behind them.

They were traditionally based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, but were relocated to RAF Waddington, in the same county, last year.