RAF Cosford Air Show 2026: Road closures, when to get there, and what's on including iconic Red Arrows

This Sunday - June 14, sees the return of one of the county’s most popular, spectacular and octane-fuelled events.

The annual RAF Cosford Air Show will be taking place, complete with a line-up of some of the world’s most impressive aircraft.

As the countdown is on to the big day on Sunday, these are some of the answers to the most important questions about the event.

Where and when is the air show

The show takes place on Sunday, June 14, with gates opening at 8am and the showground attractions remaining open until 7pm. People attending the show are asked to follow the post code TF11 8UP on their satnav to the local area and then follow the signs for the show.

Are there tickets still available and can you buy them on the day

No, and absolutely not. The air show has been sold out for some time, as it is every year.

Organisers expressly warn people not to turn up on the day without tickets, saying: “No tickets will be available to purchase at the entry gates. You must not travel to the event without a pre-purchased ticket as you will not be admitted.”

With 50,000 people expected to turn up, if you go without a ticket you’ll have a long queue before a disappointing journey home.

Read more: Red Arrows return to Shropshire this weekend

Is there any way to get tickets now they are sold out

For those who may have missed out, tickets may still become available through the official fan‑to‑fan resale site.

Please can visit the tickets resale page online to check availability.

How can I watch the show if I don’t have a ticket

There are a host of spots where people can watch the displays without a ticket, some on the top of nearby hills, others where venues are offering tickets to their own nearby facilities to sit and enjoy the proceedings. For some of those available check this article here.

Can you get there on a train

Yes, Cosford has its own station less than 300m from the entrance to the air show, making the railway one of the most convenient ways to arrive.

Organisers say that due to the number of people attending the station is still likely to be extremely busy - and urge people to allow extra time for their journey.

The station also does not have disabled access.

A spokesman for the show said: “We expect train services and the station itself to be extremely busy on Air Show Day, and queue systems will be in place to help keep passengers moving as safely and efficiently as possible.

“We advise visitors to allow extra time for their journey and to check train times before travelling. Staff will be on hand to help you at the station, so please be patient.”

Read more: RAF Cosford Air Show 2026: Major changes to line-up

Will there be any changes on the M54 ahead of the day

Yes, National Highways, which is responsible for the road is putting special measures in place to cut down on delays and queues on Shropshire’s busiest road.

A spokesman said: “To help keep everyone moving, we’ll be putting special traffic measures in place, including opening the hard shoulder of the westbound M54 between junctions 2 and 3.”

Again National Highways urge people to allow extra time for their journeys.

Are there any local road closures to be aware of for the day

Yes, there are a number local road closures confirmed by the organisers as follows.

- Newport Road (Albrighton, by Fire Station) and Newport Road (Junction A41): 7am to 5.30pm - Pedestrian access is permitted to reach the A41/Albrighton, but no stopping or viewing within the closure. Garden Centre access is staff only.

- Rectory Road (North and South): 7am to 5.30pm - Resident access will be maintained, including continued access to Rectory Care Home. No public parking or waiting is permitted. Pedestrian access is limited to residents and visitors only, with no stopping or viewing allowed.

- Green Lane (North and South), Bowling Green Lane (North and South), and Kennel Lane: 7am to 5.30pm - Resident access will be maintained, but no public parking, waiting, or pedestrian access is permitted on these routes.

A spokeswoman for the show again urged people to allow extra time for their journeys.

She said: “These measures are in place for safety and traffic management during the air show.

“We ask visitors to please be patient while we get people on to site as quickly and as safely as possible. The event attracts significant visitor numbers, so we would encourage attendees to plan their journey in advance and allow extra time for travel.”

Get there early

It might seem obvious, and organisers have stressed it several times, but people are advised to try and get to the site as early as they can.

A spokeswoman said: “Flying displays are scheduled to start at 11.30am, with the showground officially opening at 8am.

“We encourage visitors to arrive as early as possible. While queues are expected, please be reassured that we will be working hard to get everyone on to site as efficiently and safely as possible.”

Download or screenshot tickets before departing to save potential internet issues at the gate

Organisers are reminding people to make sure they are prepared for when they arrive, and not left scrambling for a few bars of signal to download any digital tickets.

A spokeswoman said: “Visitors are also advised to download or screenshot their tickets ahead of arrival to help mitigate any connectivity issues and support smooth entry to the site.”

What if you live locally but not attending the show

As with those attending people are urged to plan ahead and leave time due to the quantity of people expected - especially on the A41 and M54.

A spokeswoman said: “For those not attending the event but living locally, we recommend planning journeys in advance and allowing for diversions, as traffic is expected to build on the A41 and M54.”

If you are lucky enough to have a ticket and you’re driving to the show, do you have to pay for parking - No, you do not have to pay for parking. Parking is included in the price of the tickets.

Should you take cash

Although people have gotten out of the habit of carrying cash you are definitely advised to make sure you have some if you’re attending.

A spokesman said: “Although some traders and exhibitors at the event will have card payment facilities available, we strongly recommend bringing cash with you on the day.

“The RAF Cosford Air Show takes place on an airfield, where connectivity for card transactions may sometimes be limited or unavailable.”

Is the show accessible for people with disabilities -

There is a disabled car park with a dedicated hosting team to ensure disabled visitors are well looked after at the air show.

The disabled car park is connected via a hard-standing taxiway to the main thoroughfare of traders, exhibitors and ground displays.

Follow the nationally recognised ‘wheelchair’ symbol to be directed to the disabled car park; visitors should clearly display their blue disabled badges as soon as they get to the Air Show direction signs to be directed toward the correct entry point.

People are asked to note that the disabled car park is filled on a first come, first served basis, with limited spaces available.

Can you take dogs

No, organisers say only assistance dogs are allowed with a spokesman saying: “No, unless it is an assistance dog.

“The airfield is usually a very crowded and noisy environment. These conditions are uncomfortable and potentially frightening for most animals.”

Are there toilets available

Yes, there are a large number of toilets located across the showground for public use.

Can you take a drone

This one shouldn’t need saying but no, of course not. No drones. A spokesman explained: “The operation of remote-control devices and unmanned aircraft systems is not permitted by law at airfields.

“Restrictions of Flying Regulations will be established under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016.

“As such no small unmanned aircraft systems/drones shall be flown at this location or within a six-mile radius of the airfield.”

Which aircraft are flying when

It’s the question everyone asks but due to potential changes the timings for the flying displays will be available in the Souvenir Programme on the day.

Timings are not released in advance as they are subject to change.

When are the Red Arrows on

The world’s most famous airplane display team are of course appearing on the day and while the flight path to Cosford is not yet confirmed, they are scheduled to fly over between 2.55pm and 3.35pm.

Which other planes will feature in the displays

A host of modern and vintage planes will be flying or on static display throughout the day.

They include the incredible RAF Typhoon Display team, The RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team, the Rolls-Royce Harvard, a P-47 Thunderbolt, locally-based Air Recruit Bradley Lefley Kemp performing the glider display, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and an RAF Chinook, along with many more.

* Further details - More information about the event is available on the RAF Cosford Air Show page, and information about the displays can also be found online.