Farnborough International Airshow 2026 - Blackbushe Procedures
The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) returns in 2026 from 13th-24th July. With it comes some Temporary Restricted Airspace RA(T) which has some impact on the way we operate at Blackbushe.
Restricted airspace (temporary)
This year’s RA(T) is similar to previous years. It is a 3NM circle centered on Farnborough Airport - It lies entirely within CTR1, although it does overlap with the Blackbushe Local Flying Area (LFA)
AIC M 054/2026
There are no restrictions on Blackbushe operations that remain outside of Controlled Airspace and the RA(T). The following RA(T) procedures apply to aircraft requiring the use of the Blackbushe Local Flying Area (LFA).
RA(T) PROCEDURES
The RA(T) is active during notified periods as detailed below.
During RA(T) operation, Blackbushe operations may continue subject to the following criteria;
Minimum pilot in charge qualification (P1) – PPL with Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence for operations requiring the use of the LFA. No student solo flights/circuits during RA(T) activated times.
All aircraft operating within the LFA may continue provided they operate at a height of not above 800ft QFE whilst in the LFA. Aircraft joining on the deadside must ensure they have descended to this height in good time.
Joining traffic will be keep a tight circuit and operate at a height of not above 800ft QFE whilst within the LFA portion of the ATZ.
Departures from Runway 07 that require entry to the LFA will operate at a height of not above 800ft QFE whilst within the RA(T)
Blackbushe will be instructed to cease operations for a Red Arrows display (notified by NOTAM) and may be instructed to cease operations because of a request from a display pilot, the Chairman of the Flying Control Committee (CFCC), NATS General Manager or WM/SCOD for other operational need.
Aircraft will comply with regulations applicable to flying in a RA(T).
Airshow display pilots will be briefed not to fly below 1800ft AGL when north of the M3 motorway and will be advised that Blackbushe will be active as part of the daily briefings.
SVFR operations are only permitted within the LFA with the permission of the CFCC through the VCR Coordinator.
southbound vfr transits
Controlled airspace transit approvals of the Farnborough CTR’s may be delayed during the published Restricted Area (Temporary) periods, in order to protect displaying aircraft.
ATS ROUTE NETWORK ARRIVALS / DEPARTURES DURING AIRSHOW PERIODS
During the Airshow period there will be times when the ATS Route Network is not available for arriving aircraft using a Farnborough STAR. These times will be promulgated and it is advised that operators should consider using alternative routings / times to avoid interaction with the airshow RA(T).
It is likely that UKFMP will impose flow regulations on the Farnborough Wessex Group (of which Blackbushe is a part) to ensure a safe delivery of traffic.
ATS Route Network departures will be handled in accordance with current procedures, however, delays are to be expected during Display Periods.
SCHEDULE FOR RA(T)
(ALL TIMES UTC)
Monday 13th July to Monday 20th July 2026: 0800z to 1800z.
Tuesday 21st July to Thursday 23rd July 2026: 1215z to 1800z.
Friday 24th July 2026: 1100z to 1530z.
