Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show 2025

The IWM Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show 2025 was a stirring celebration of heritage, skill, and sheer aerial spectacle — moments of triumph, a few frustrating setbacks, and a dramatic finale that left many breathless.

Setting the Scene

Autumn at Duxford carries a weight of history. The air holds a crispness that seems fitting for recalling the Battle of Britain, and this year’s show didn’t disappoint in its ambition or scale. Among the aircraft gathered were some of the rarest and most beloved warbirds in the world, brought together under clear skies — though the wind had its say on more than one occasion.

Highlights

The Largest Gathering of Hawker Hurricanes Since WWII

Perhaps the single most poignant image of the show was the congregation of Hurricanes. For many attendees, seeing so many of them in one place, flying, taxing, ready for display — more Hurricanes than had been seen together in decades — was deeply moving. The “Hurricane presence” lent the airshow a sense of authenticity and gravity.

The A-26 Invader Steals the Spotlight.

Another standout was the A-26 Invader "Sweet Eloise II". Mighty, muscular, and less commonly seen at UK airshows, it captivated the crowd. Listening to its engines, watching its flight lines, the Invader provided not just a visual spectacle, but the sense of power and presence that only a less common four-engined warbird can deliver. For many, this was the “must-see” act.

Wind Whips & Display Disruption.

But weather, as ever, is the other performer. A strong wind made a few displays more challenging than anticipated. Some manoeuvres had to be curtailed; safety dictated changes, and the wind forced display directors to adjust timing and flight paths. While this is part of what makes airshows unpredictable, it was frustrating for spectators who waited for classic routines that couldn’t fully materialise.

P40 Warhawk Lees Hope

Hurricane Formation

A26 Invader Take Off

A26 Invader Sweet Eloise II

P36 and P40 Formation

Belgian NH90

Hawker Hurricane Formation

B17 Flying Fortress

P51 Mustang Pair

CAC CA-13 Boomerang Phooey

Catalina and Swordfish

Duxford Big Wing

F86 Sabre

The Grand Finale: Big Wing Rising

The crowning glory was the final display: 15 Spitfires and 7 Hurricanes joined to form the legendary Duxford “Big Wing” in formation. Once again, history feels alive. The roar of those engines; the sight of the Spitfires’ sleek lines contrasted with the more rugged, solid frame of the Hurricanes; the precision of their formation — all made for an unforgettable closing.

It wasn’t just about the numbers: it was about what they represent. The bravery, the urgency, the combination of innovation and sacrifice during the Battle of Britain. The Big Wing display is always evocative; this year, more so, perhaps, because of the Hurricane gathering and because the show leaned heavily into commemoration.

Overall Impression

Duxford’s 2025 Battle of Britain show managed to balance commemoration and spectacle with rare aircraft and emotional moments. Despite wind-related challenges, the event delivered on both scale and sentiment. The gathering of Hurricanes was historic; the A-26 Invader added uncommon drama; and the final Big Wing display provided the kind of pure aviation majesty that reminds us why these airshows matter.

For fans of warbirds, aviation history, and emotional, if occasionally raw, displays, this show will be remembered. It wasn’t flawless, but perhaps that’s part of its character — a live tribute, with all the texture and uncertainty that real history contains.