Air show cancellation a 'crashing loss' for firms

Hospitality services have called the cancellation of this year's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) a "crashing loss" for local businesses.

The air show at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has been running for more than 50 years and can attract more than 170,000 visitors. However, this year's eventin July has been cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Tanya Callow‑Trujillo, reservations manager at the Mason Arms, said it was usually the "busiest time of year" for the Meysey Hampton pub and guest house.

Organisers, who have offered refunds, said it was "not an easy decision" and came after discussions with the United States Air Force over access to the base it is using.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said the government has granted the US permission to use British bases for specific and limited defensive operations.

But Callow‑Trujillo said the cancellation of the air show would affect their business and others in the area.

"It's a big loss for us this year, both with accommodation and with food and drink sales as well," she said.

"It's a crashing loss for the industry locally."

She added: "Every night of RIAT, we have a huge table of operators and photographers who come and dine with us, so obviously they won't be coming this year."

Callow‑Trujillo added although they have has lost bookings, she is pleased that many guests have transferred their reservations to next year.

"Next year, if it goes ahead, we'll be doing fine," she said.

Leonie McIntosh, owner and manager of Fairford Airshow Camping, said cancelling RIAT would have a "massive" impact on her business.

McIntosh works as a farmer but opens her land for camping specifically for the airshow.

She said although there will not be an airshow this year, she has decided to keep the site open and replicate what they would usually offer during RIAT, including live music and DJs.

"We were all absolutely devastated… if we can just keep some of the joy of everyone coming together on the campsite, then we'll have achieved something," she said.

However, Jacqui Bartels, who owns The Bull Hotel in Fairford, said the influx of US air force personnel in the area means the cancellation of RIAT will not hit as hard.

"I can't say it's going to impact us that greatly because I've had a good April and May due to the air base being used by American personnel.

"We're probably doing about 100 to 150 covers a day, whereas we would normally be doing about 80," she said.

Cotswold District Council said the news is "disappointing", but it understands why the event was cancelled and are seeing "encouraging signs" that businesses are adapting.

The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises (RAFCT), has said the "summer won't be the same" without the event, but it will return in 2027.

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