EXETER & TORBAY — The skies above Devon were painted with iconic trails of red, white, and blue this past weekend as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team—the world-famous Red Arrows—made their highly anticipated return to the region.

While the breathtaking stunts took place over Paignton beach for the landmark 10th anniversary of the English Riviera Airshow, it was Exeter Airport that served as the heartbeat of the operation, giving local aviation enthusiasts an exclusive, up-close look at the action.

Exeter Airport Becomes a High-Octane Runway

Throughout the three-day event, Exeter Airport hummed with the roar of twin-transmission military engines. Serving as the primary operational base for the display teams, the airport’s perimeter was lined with hundreds of spectators and photographers eager to watch the BAE Systems Hawk T1 jets taxi, take off in tight formations, and return after their high-speed coastal displays.

Alongside the Red Arrows, Exeter also hosted the thundering RAF Typhoon display team and the historic aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), including the iconic Spitfire, Hurricane, and Dakota. The heavy military presence turned the local airspace into a thrilling spectacle, with aircraft routinely spotted soaring low over Exeter and the surrounding countryside as they transit to and from the display zone.

A Brilliant Weekend Over the Bay

Down on the coast, the English Riviera Airshow pulled out all the stops to celebrate a decade of flying over Torbay’s natural amphitheater.

The Friday Night ‘Take Off’: The weekend started with a rare twilight display, where the Red Arrows opened a shorter evening programme under golden hour skies, culminating in a dazzling beachfront fireworks finale.
The Main Event: On Saturday and Sunday, tens of thousands of spectators packed Paignton Green, Middle Green, and the surrounding cliffs. The Red Arrows executed their brand-new 2026 display sequence, featuring precision formations and heart-stopping split maneuvers.
Ground Entertainment: Back on terra firma, the event featured a massive event village complete with a STEM marquee for future engineers, armed forces interactive exhibits, fairground rides, and local food vendors.