The Red Arrows have been forced to cancel appearances at three major UK events after being stranded in Canada due to adverse weather conditions.
The RAF aerobatics team was returning from a US tour, Operation Eagle Hawk, which marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. However, a prolonged period of forecast poor weather hampered their multi-leg journey back to the UK, as their single-engined Hawk aircraft cannot refuel midair.
Stranded after first leg
The pilots had planned to fly from the US to eastern Canada, then on to Greenland and Iceland before returning home. But the conditions left them stuck after the first stage.
As a result, the team has cancelled performances at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week. These events will otherwise go ahead as planned.
Safety first
Wing Commander Sasha Nash, officer commanding the Red Arrows, said: 'We are very sorry the Red Arrows cannot participate at these events and we are grateful to organisers and communities for their understanding. 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.'
In a statement, the team said scheduled engineering on the Hawks had been rearranged to take place in Canada instead of the UK, ensuring the return to the planned 2026 programme would be 'as expedient and efficient as possible'.
Next scheduled appearance
Spectators should next see the Red Arrows at Cromer Carnival and Air Display on August 19, before the pilots head to Sweden to mark the 100th anniversary of the Swedish Air Force in Linköping.
