Eastbourne Airshow 2026 enters its final weekend with the RAF Typhoon, B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, Spitfires and several rare aircraft taking over the Sussex seafront. Airbourne runs from Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16, with the Western Lawns forming the main event site and flying generally beginning around lunchtime.
The programme changed shortly before the show after the Red Arrows were forced to withdraw. Adverse weather in North America delayed the team’s return from an American tour, leaving it unavailable for Eastbourne and other UK appearances. Organisers responded by adding Sally B from Friday to Sunday and the France-based Conair Turbo Firecat for Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday and Sunday flying line-up
The RAF Typhoon Display Team is scheduled from Friday through Sunday, while the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight brings its Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane on all four days. The Spirit of Kent Spitfire is appearing from Friday to Sunday, giving visitors another chance to see the famous fighter over the coast.
Saturday’s confirmed programme also includes the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team, Starlings Aerobatics Team, P-51 Mustang “Marinell”, Royal Navy Black Cats, Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts, a duo AeroSuperBatics WingWalkers display, MiG-17 and the Conair Turbo Firecat. The MiG-17 is listed through Saturday, so Sunday visitors should not assume every Saturday aircraft will return for the finale.
The Firecat is one of the more unusual additions. The converted firefighting aircraft is making its Airbourne debut and is scheduled to perform a water-drop display during the weekend. Aviation fans following other major UK events can compare the mix with the Midlands Air Festival 2026 flying programme, which combined rare aircraft with large-scale balloon displays.
Where to get Eastbourne Airshow flight times
Airbourne does not publish a guaranteed minute-by-minute timetable online. Preliminary flying times are included in the official 64-page souvenir programme, priced at £10. Programme holders can collect updated daily schedules at selected official outlets during the show.
The programme is available from locations including the Seafront Office beside the Bandstand, Eastbourne Visitor Services, several seafront kiosks and participating hotels and cafés. It also includes aircraft features, discount vouchers and a competition to win a limited-edition Citizen Red Arrows Skyhawk A-T watch. A free pin badge is included while stocks last.
Visitors should check the official Airbourne flying line-up before travelling. Organisers make clear that all flying remains subject to weather, aircraft serviceability and operational commitments, meaning even confirmed displays can move or be cancelled at short notice.
Why the revised programme still matters
Losing the Red Arrows is significant because they were one of the event’s most recognisable attractions, but the replacement line-up gives the weekend a broader historic focus. Sally B represents Second World War heavy-bomber aviation, while the Spitfires, Hurricane, Dakota and Mustang cover several different roles and eras. The Typhoon then provides the modern fast-jet contrast.
That ability to adapt is important for large airshows, where weather and military availability can reshape plans quickly. The same uncertainty has affected other major aviation events this year, including the Royal International Air Tattoo 2026 cancellation, although Eastbourne has been able to continue with replacement displays rather than lose the event itself.
Read More
Warbirds Over Wānaka 2026 continued after major military aircraft withdrawals
Cocoa Beach Air Show 2026 drew huge crowds for the Blue Angels return
What visitors should know before heading to the seafront
Airbourne remains free to attend, although donations and programme sales help support the cost of staging the flying displays. The main Western Lawns site operates during the daytime, with additional entertainment around the seafront and Bandstand.
For anyone travelling specifically to see the Typhoon, Sally B or a Spitfire, the safest approach is to allow several hours rather than arriving for one expected slot. Air display schedules are unusually sensitive to wind, visibility, technical issues and operational demands.
Airbourne continues through Sunday, August 16. With the final-day line-up not identical to Saturday’s, spectators should check the official update before setting out rather than relying on an earlier printed or social-media schedule.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
