The Wales Airshow returns to Swansea Bay on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26, 2026, with free daytime displays and a new Saturday-night Afterburn programme featuring the RAF Typhoon, aerial pyrotechnics, approximately 200 drones and fireworks.
More than 200,000 visitors could attend. Saturday combines daytime and evening flying, while Sunday has a shorter daytime-only programme. Major road closures and limited parking mean spectators should plan their journeys in advance.
Wales Airshow 2026 key times
- Saturday daytime flying: 1.45pm to approximately 5.20pm
- Saturday Afterburn flying: 8.55pm to approximately 9.50pm
- Sunday flying: 12pm to approximately 3.18pm
The ground event opens at 10am on both days. Afterburn entertainment is promoted from around 8pm, but the first listed evening aircraft appears at 8.55pm. No evening show is scheduled for Sunday.
Saturday, July 25 timetable
- 1.45pm: RAF Tutor Display Team
- 1.57pm: Conair Turbo Firecat
- 2.08pm: Firebirds Display Team
- 2.25pm: Spitfire
- 2.36pm: Navywings Swordfish and Wasp
- 2.41pm: Navywings Wasp
- 2.50pm: Navywings Swordfish
- 3pm: Apache Helicopter
- 3.04pm: Break
- 3.45pm: Gazelle Squadron
- 3.56pm: Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers
- 4.14pm: Strikemaster Pair
- 4.31pm: Starlings Display Team
- 4.48pm: RAF Typhoon
- 5pm: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
- 5.20pm: Jet Pitts
Afterburn and fireworks timetable
- 8.55pm: RAF Typhoon
- 9.18pm: Firebirds Display Team
- 9.36pm: OTTO Schweizer
- 9.50pm: Drone display and fireworks
The Firebirds and OTTO Schweizer will add pyrotechnic effects to their evening performances. The finale will combine choreographed drone formations with fireworks over Swansea Bay.
The Typhoon’s three scheduled appearances are 4.48pm and 8.55pm on Saturday, followed by 3.18pm on Sunday. Its presence gives aviation fans another opportunity to see military flying after the Royal International Air Tattoo 2026 cancellation.
Sunday, July 26 timetable
- 12pm: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
- 12.26pm: Starlings Display Team
- 12.44pm: Navywings Formation
- 12.49pm: Navywings Wasp
- 12.58pm: Navywings Swordfish
- 1.07pm: Strikemaster Pair
- 1.21pm: Break
- 2.11pm: Spitfire
- 2.22pm: Conair Turbo Firecat
- 2.34pm: Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers
- 2.52pm: Firebirds Display Team
- 2.57pm: Gazelle Squadron
- 3.07pm: RAF Tutor Display Team
- 3.18pm: RAF Typhoon
Is the Wales Airshow free?
General admission is free and no ticket is required. The principal public viewing area runs along Swansea Prom between the Civic Centre and Cenotaph. A paid Flight Deck offers premium viewing.
Ground attractions include market stalls, food and drink vendors, live music, aviation displays and family entertainment. The programme follows other major UK aviation gatherings, including the Midlands Air Festival’s balloon and aircraft displays.
Information points, toilets, accessible facilities, water-refill stations and first-aid posts will operate near the Civic Centre and Cenotaph. Personal drones and barbecues are prohibited, while dogs are discouraged because of the noise and crowds.
Parking and Park and Ride
Official car parks open at 8.30am and cost between £10 and £25 per vehicle. Locations include the Recreation Ground, Lacrosse Field, Civic Centre East, Guildhall Rotunda, Paxton Street, King George V Playing Fields and Singleton Hospital overflow.
Several Saturday car parks have sold out in advance, although limited pay-on-arrival spaces may remain. Fabian Way Park and Ride, SA1 8LD, costs £10 per vehicle. Buses run from 9am to 10.30pm Saturday and 8.30am to 8pm Sunday.
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Road closures and travel disruption
Oystermouth Road and Mumbles Road are closed in both directions between West Way and Sketty Lane from 8am Saturday until 5am Monday. Guildhall Road South and several surrounding roads also face restrictions.
Bus routes 4, 4A, 8 and 14 are affected. Access to the Marina remains available through Dunvant Place, while alternative routes serve Swansea University and Singleton Hospital.
Why the timetable could change
Aircraft appearances remain subject to weather, visibility, serviceability, air traffic requirements and operational commitments. Visitors should check the official Wales Airshow timetable before travelling and follow event announcements for live changes.
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