The Royal International Air Tattoo starts today (Friday 14) at RAF Fairford where thousands will flock to the airbase to see over 250 aircraft take part in either the flying or static displays.

Following a complete sell-out for the first time ever last year, organisers announced a sell-out for the Saturday (July 15) performance.

Paul Atherton, chief executive officer for Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, said: “This year’s show is set to be another thrilling event, with all types of aircraft demonstrating their capabilities in the sky."

Here is all you need to know about the highly anticipated event:

Plane schedule:

This year’s event will see the UK debut of the new Gripen E jet and RAF’s F-35B Lightning now included in the flying programme on all three days of the show.

They join a host of aircraft that have already been confirmed, such as fast jets including the Spanish Harrier, historic aircraft like the Messerschmitt Me262 as well as a number of large refuelling aircraft, tying in with this year’s theme – SKYTANKER, which recognises the 100th anniversary since the first air-to-air refuelling manoeuvre. 

The Red Arrows were also confirmed by Mr Atherton: "It’s always great to be able to announce formally that the Red Arrows will be displaying at RIAT.

“They are a firm favourite of many who attend the event and will as always be a highlight in our packed display programme over the whole weekend."

Head of air operations for the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Peter Reoch said: “We have a fantastic array of aircraft coming from around the globe for this year’s show, including five national aerobatic teams

“Visitors on Saturday & Sunday will enjoy a 7 ½ hour flying display programme and an extensive static display on the ground with plenty of aircraft to view, and many of the larger aircraft planned to be open for visitors to explore.”

Weather forecast:

The latest available forecast from BBC Weather suggests that conditions could disrupt the event, a yellow weather warning for storms is in place for Saturday.

Rain is expected to fall throughout Friday morning and afternoon, becoming heaviest at around 3pm to 6pm, with temperatures ranging from 13C to 18C.

"Staying unsettled with heavy showers on Saturday and some locally torrential downpours and thunderstorms" the Met Office report. 

Traffic warning:

High traffic volumes are expected on the A419 and the A417 as drivers head to the event this weekend.

Crowds of between 150,000 and 200,000 people are expected to attend the show.

Traffic is expected to be particularly congested around Cricklade and Cirencester, while the M4 could also be affected at junction 15.

Kathryn Wiltshire, Southwest network planner for National Highways, said: “The network is likely to see higher traffic volumes and the Fairford event is expected to see increased volumes on the A417 and A419, and potentially increased traffic around M4 junction 15 and M5 junction 11A.

“Our aim is to keep the National Highways network running while keeping all road users safe and informed.

“We’re advising all drivers to check our traffic and travel information channels, to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for their journeys.”

Signage and messaging will be in place for those attending the event, with the showground set to open from 7.30am until 6pm on Friday and 7.30am to 7.30pm over the weekend.

Road closures

The closure of Halfpenny Bridge in Lechlade, near to the festival site at RAF Fairford, has added to a number of other nearby closures causing misery for locals travelling in that area. 

Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire Council have made the joint decision to close the road to Buscot Wick off the A361 because HGVs were using it and it is not a suitable road for those vehicles.

This is on top of the long-term closure of the road between Kempsford and Hannington Wick because of dangerous sinkholes in the road, and the closure of Castle Eaton Bridge because of a 'void' under the road surface.

Although, this road is set to reopen in time for the festival.