Red Arrows WILL return for rest of Bournemouth Air Festival

Red Arrows suspended their first display of the year after Red 6’s aircraft was giving irregular indications. 

As a precaution, Red 6 returned to Bournemouth Airport with the remaining team following afterwards. It is still too early to tell if Red 6 will be performing tomorrow.

A Red Arrows spokesman said: “Unfortunately, the team had to cut-short the second half of today’s display because Red 6’s aircraft was giving irregular engine indications.  

Red Arrows today. Image by Richard Crease

“As a precaution, Red 6 safely returned to the airport early and the team followed afterwards. 

“We’re excited to be flying across the three remaining days of the show.” 

The spokesman added: “It’s wonderful to back in Bournemouth. The air festival is always an important part of any Red Arrows’ calendar and it’s the biggest show of its type we do anywhere in the UK and mainland Europe.  

“2022 is the Red Arrows’ busiest season since 2018. The air festival provides a great opportunity to inspire in the air and the ground - with the pilots often meeting people at the event when not flying and a team of Blues (our support staff) at the RAF Experience area throughout the festival. 

Red Arrows today. Image by Richard Crease (Image: Richard Crease)

Squad member Red 1 issued an apology to the crowd but said safety could not be put at risk. 

The Red Arrows will fly again at 4.30pm on Friday and Saturday and then at 1.30pm on Sunday. 

Last weekend, the Red Arrows cut short a display in Wales following a bird strike. 

The display team were due to close Rhyl Air Show on Sunday.  

However, many spectators across social media reported they heard a bang or a pop before one of the aircraft was forced to land early at Hawarden Airport, where the Red Arrows were based for the show.