Blackpool Transport bosses reveal plans for Blackpool Air Show 2026 - what you need to know

An impressive line-up of iconic aircraft will soon take to the skies above Blackpool, and the town’s transport operator is finalising plans to help residents and visitors make the most of the spectacular aviation display.

Blackpool Air Show is set to return on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, and Blackpool Transport bosses said they will be going the extra mile to help people enjoy the popular event.

Crowds will be treated to a display by a MiG-17. The iconic Cold War fighter jet, based in Poland, will make its English display debut over Blackpool with a routine that is sure to entertain aviation enthusiasts.

Joining the line-up for the first time in Blackpool are the US fighter aircraft P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang, alongside the Suffolk Spitfire, adding even more historic aviation pedigree to this year’s event.

On Saturday, visitors will also witness one of the world’s most renowned parachute display teams. The Red Devils, the elite parachute display team of the British Army Parachute Regiment, will descend onto the famous seafront in a thrilling demonstration of skill and precision.

Returning favourites include the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, featuring the iconic Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire, offering a poignant tribute to Britain's aviation heritage.

The packed programme also features a wide variety of aircraft displays, including the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, Hawk, Harvard, The Ravens, Yaks, Calidus Autogyro, Muscle Pitts and XtremeAir.

Crowd favourite RAF Typhoon Display Team will once again bring its trademark speed, power and noise to Blackpool, performing breathtaking displays on both days of the show.

While the promenade will be closed to traffic between 10.30am and 7pm on both days, bus diversions will be in place, and trams will operate a ‘split service’ between Starr Gate and Manchester Square, and North Pier and Fleetwood, with no trams in either direction from the Tower stop and Central Pier. Trams from Starr Gate will be unable to reach North Station, but customers can still catch trams from the station towards Fleetwood. 

Hayley Gregory, Blackpool Transport’s marketing manager,said: “Throughout the airshow weekend, there will also be extra trams between Little Bispham and North Station to provide a 7-minute service. Trams will also run between Starr Gate and Manchester Square every 12 minutes.  

“Although the promenade will be closed, we’ll also have additional buses on standby to help people get in and out of the town centre at peak times, and our friendly customer advisers will be out in force to offer face-to-face travel advice.

“With so many people flocking to the seafront for the show, it’s not possible to run a through service, but our trams and buses still offer the best way to get to the heart of the action.”

To help make boarding of both trams and buses as swift as possible, passengers are being urged to pay for their travel in advance.

“This can be done easily by using our mobile app or by buying a ticket from a customer adviser, who are easy to spot in their eye-catching pink uniforms,” Hayley said.

“While kids can travel for free on our buses in August, a great range of value-for-money offers are also available on both buses and trams, including our popular Family Saver and adult Duo tickets to help make a trip to the air show a memorable and affordable day out for everyone,” she added.

Away from the action in the skies, visitors can enjoy the Air Show Village, located between Central Pier and North Pier and open from 11am to 6pm on both days.

The village will feature a wide range of stalls, attractions and food concessions. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet aircraft ground crews and serving members of the armed forces, learn more about their roles and get up close to some of the equipment they use.

Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: “Air Show weekend is one of the highlights of Blackpool’s summer season and remains a major draw for visitors from across the UK.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors once again for a spectacular weekend of aerial displays and family-friendly entertainment. From iconic military aircraft and thrilling flying demonstrations to interactive exhibition stands and activities for children, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information on the Blackpool Air Show, visit www.visitblackpool.com/airshow.