Red Arrows Plan Return After Weather Delay Grounds Team in Canada

The RAF's Red Arrows plan to resume their journey home this week after missing three U.K. events.

Amelia Walsh

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 10:59 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Matt Ryan

[Royal Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

The Royal Air Force's Red Arrows were stranded in Canada for nearly two weeks due to poor weather after completing their North American deployment.
This unexpected delay forced the display team to miss several major U.K. events, including Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The Hawk T1 aircraft's inability to refuel in flight makes the transatlantic journey dependent on a series of carefully planned fuel stops, requiring suitable weather along the entire route.
The Red Arrows plan to resume their journey home this week and aim to return to the U.K. in time to recommence their remaining summer display schedule.

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After nearly two weeks stranded in Canada by poor weather, the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows plan to resume their journey home to the U.K. this week.

The unexpected delay sidelined the Red Arrows for three major events, including Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week. In a statement, the RAF said the events will continue with other participating military aircraft, but the display team will be absent.

“We are very sorry the Red Arrows cannot participate at these events,” said Wing Commander Sasha Nash, officer commanding the RAF Aerobatic Team. “Every effort is being made to ensure the Red Arrows can recommence the busy display season as soon as possible. However, safety is the only factor that will determine the timing of the team’s return from Canada.”

The delay followed the team’s North American deployment, where the Red Arrows flew displays at several high-profile events, including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the International Aerial Review in New York.

Unlike larger military aircraft, the Hawk T1 cannot refuel in flight, requiring a carefully planned series of fuel stops across Canada, Greenland and Iceland. Weather conditions along any leg of the route can halt the entire transit.

While waiting for a suitable weather window, RAF engineers continued maintenance on the aircraft and some personnel returned to the U.K. for scheduled leave. If conditions improve as forecast, the Red Arrows are expected to return in time to restart the remainder of their summer display schedule.

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