THE Royal Navy’s International Air Day will not take place for the third consecutive year due to undisclosed “commercial reasons”.

International Air Day was due to take place at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, which is one of the busiest military airfields in Europe and houses more than 100 aircraft.

A tweet on RNAS Yeovilton’s official account said: “It is with regret we can confirm, for commercial reasons, that the Royal Navy International Air Day will not take place in 2022.

“It is hoped the Air Day will be back as usual in 2023.”

A spokesperson for the Royal Navy added: “Discussions are ongoing about de-conflicting the Maritime Aviation Conference and Maritime Aviation Capability Exhibition until the autumn.

“In addition, an enhanced Fleet Air Arm presence at alternative venues is being looked at.”

The spokesperson could not expand upon the “commercial reasons” blamed for the cancellation.  

RNAS Yeovilton’s International Air Day was cancelled in 2020 “as a prudent measure and in accordance with Government guidance on Covid-19”.

Chard & Ilminster News: The Royal Navy International Air Day will not take place this year. Picture: Carl Nicholls, Somerset Camera ClubThe Royal Navy International Air Day will not take place this year. Picture: Carl Nicholls, Somerset Camera Club

Last year’s event, due to take place on July 10, was also cancelled due to the pandemic.

It was estimated that around 40,000 people would attend last year’s airshow before its cancellation.

The airshow was planned to focus on “saluting the past (and) showcasing the present whilst offering a glimpse into the future of Maritime Aviation Capability along with the capabilities of our sister services, the Army and Royal Air Force, as core themes”.

Chard & Ilminster News: The cancellation was caused by "commercial reasons". Picture: Carl Nicholls, Somerset Camera ClubThe cancellation was caused by "commercial reasons". Picture: Carl Nicholls, Somerset Camera Club

Last year’s event would also have featured educational attractions, including interactive service displays, engineering fairs, and defence technology exhibitions.

RNAS Yeovilton covers around 1,400 acres in South Somerset, and around 4,300 personnel and permanent contractors are employed at the site.


Read more: Leonardo builds sustainability into a new advanced helicopters logistics hub