RAF Cosford Airshow 2025

jbiggadike
Jun 11
2 min read

🛩️ RAF Cosford Airshow 2025 - Highlights

RAF Red Arrows

No RAF Cosford Airshow show would be complete without their iconic precision. 2025 was no exception. The renowned aerobatic team delivered their trademark formations, though some commentators felt their routine was slightly more measured than usual—likely influenced by the low cloud base.

RAF Typhoon

A standout performance. The Typhoon blasted its way into the low cloud with a deafening burner kick, earning praise for its vertical climb and raw power.

Polish Air Force F‑16 Tiger Demo

The F‑16 brought real aggression in its passes. Spectators loved the dedicated L‑shaped pass—“fantastic dedication pass!” as noted by one forum reviewer.

Vintage Pair – de Havilland Chipmunks

A charming contrast to the modern jets. Their graceful formations offered a pleasing nod to aviation’s heritage, punctuating the day beautifully.

Dutch RNLAF Spitfire Mk IX

A truly rare treat—only occasionally seen in the UK. The Spitfire performed a classic crowd-pleasing display, complete with a dramatic rear-line arrival .

🔴 Disappointments

French Rafale Solo Display: Unfortunately canceled last minute due to operational requirements - a let-down, as its dynamic presence was much anticipated.
British Army Apache Demo: Also grounded due to an unexpected problem with a role demo aircraft. Though disheartening, the effect on other displays was minimal.

🌧️ Weather & Atmosphere

The day was typical British spring—overcast with intermittent showers. While this didn’t hamper visibility excessively, it added an atmospheric edge, particularly to the Typhoon’s breakout. A number of public spectators mentioned that low cloud influenced routines, but overall the show pressed on impressively .

👥 Visitor Experience

On the ground, the show was bustling.

Crowdline congestion: Tight spaces and busy pathways, especially near food vendors and cadet tents, made moving around tricky.
Food & Facilities: Prices were a common gripe—£8 for nine tiny doughnuts, £6–7 for an ice cream—though some defended the costs given the captive event audience.
Transport: Traffic in and out was generally well managed. There were issues with the train travel; but egress was surprisingly smooth compared to previous years

✅ Final Verdict

Despite a few disappointments and challenging weather, the RAF Cosford Airshow 2025 delivered a strong, varied line-up—from military supersonic demos to vintage charm. The Polish F‑16 and RAF Typhoon earned the state-side cheers, while the Spitfire Mk IX was the heartfelt nostalgic highlight. For an airshow that embraced its summer chill, Cosford delivered where it mattered: energy, precision, and pure aviation passion.