Planning to see the Red Arrows over Sussex in 2026? This complete guide covers Eastbourne Airshow, official dates, flying information, best viewing spots, parking, road closures, family travel tips and pre-booked taxi advice from Sussex Airports Taxis.
The Red Arrows are one of Britain’s most loved display teams, and Sussex is one of the best places to enjoy them when they appear over the South Coast. In 2026, the biggest confirmed Sussex airshow moment is Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow.
Eastbourne’s seafront gives visitors a wide coastal viewing area, a family-friendly day out and one of the most scenic airshow backdrops in the UK. For many families, aviation fans, photographers and visitors, seeing the Red Arrows over Eastbourne is one of the highlights of the Sussex summer.
Here are the key facts for anyone planning to see the Red Arrows over Sussex in 2026.
| Topic | Details | Planning Advice | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow 2026 | The main Sussex airshow event for visitors planning a Red Arrows day out. | Official Airbourne Website |
| Dates | Thursday 13 August to Sunday 16 August 2026 | Plan accommodation, parking and transport early because Eastbourne gets very busy. | 2026 Return Announcement |
| Location | Eastbourne Seafront, King Edward’s Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex | The display line is visible along much of the seafront, with main ground attractions around Western Lawns and the Bandstand. | Visit Eastbourne Event Page |
| Red Arrows | Listed for Friday to Sunday in the confirmed 2026 flying line-up so far | Check official updates closer to the event for exact display days and times. | Official Flying Line-Up |
| Entry | Airbourne is promoted as a free-entry event | Visitors are encouraged to support the show through donations, programme purchases and official parking. | Support Airbourne |
| Flying Times | Exact flying times are usually published in the official programme | Buy the official programme if you want the detailed display schedule and to support the free airshow. | Official FAQ |
Eastbourne offers several strong viewing areas. The best spot depends on whether you want the main event atmosphere, quieter views, family space, photography angles or easier access.
Eastbourne Seafront is the heart of Airbourne. This is where most visitors head for the full airshow atmosphere, easy access to seafront attractions and the classic view of aircraft over the water.
The official FAQ describes the main ground attractions as being from Western Lawns along to the Bandstand. This area is useful for visitors who want more than just flying displays.
The pier area gives a classic Eastbourne seafront view and is easy to recognise for visitors. It can become very busy, so arrive early and plan your return journey.
The western end of the seafront near Holywell can be useful for visitors who prefer to be slightly away from the very busiest central area, though official parking and road arrangements should be checked.
Beachy Head can offer dramatic coastal scenery and wide views, but it requires careful planning. Parking is limited, weather can change quickly and visitors must stay safely away from cliff edges.
Depending on aircraft routes and weather, people across parts of the Sussex coast may sometimes see aircraft travelling to or from displays. However, the official event viewing location remains Eastbourne.
Airbourne is one of the busiest events on the Sussex coast. If you are travelling from Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Lewes, Seaford, Haywards Heath, Gatwick or London, plan your journey early.
A pre-booked taxi can be useful for families, elderly passengers, camera equipment, luggage, hotel transfers and airport connections.
Eastbourne has rail links, but services can be busy during major events. Check live train times before travelling.
Official guidance encourages planning ahead and using public transport where possible. If driving, consider official pre-bookable parking.
Eastbourne becomes extremely busy during Airbourne. Official visitor information includes pre-bookable parking, Park & Bus options and local road closure updates.
The official Airbourne parking page lists pre-bookable options including Five Acres Field Park & Bus, King Edward’s Parade premium parking and Beachy Head Park & View. Booking ahead can help reduce stress on the day.
Airbourne has local road closures in place around the seafront. Official 2026 road closures are expected to be published closer to summer 2026.
Sussex Airports Taxis provides pre-booked local and long-distance journeys across Sussex. These are some of the most useful routes for families, visitors and aviation fans attending Airbourne.
A popular Sussex coast journey for families, visitors and groups travelling from Brighton to the Eastbourne seafront.
Useful for Hove residents, hotel guests and visitors who want a direct pre-booked journey to Eastbourne.
A useful long-distance Sussex taxi route for visitors travelling from the west side of the county.
A practical route for visitors travelling from Lewes, nearby villages and rural Sussex areas.
Useful for visitors flying into Gatwick and travelling directly to Eastbourne hotels or Airbourne weekend accommodation.
Pre-booked travel for Eastbourne hotels, seafront pickups, return journeys and onward Sussex travel.
If you are visiting Eastbourne Airshow to see the Red Arrows, plan your journey early. Sussex Airports Taxis can help with pre-booked taxis, airport transfers, hotel pickups and long-distance travel across Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Lewes, Gatwick and Eastbourne.
Sussex Airports Taxis | Phone | Web | App
Airbourne is a family-friendly event, but the seafront can become crowded and noisy. A little planning makes the day easier, especially for families with children, elderly relatives or visitors with mobility needs.
Arrive earlier than the main display window so you can find a good viewing place, understand the layout and avoid last-minute pressure.
Fast jets and display aircraft can be loud. Ear protection is sensible for children and anyone sensitive to noise.
Eastbourne seafront weather can change. Bring sun protection, water, layers and comfortable footwear.
Phone signal and crowds can make meeting harder. Agree a clear pickup point with your group and your driver before the event ends.
The official FAQ notes that the event can be crowded and noisy, which dogs may find uncomfortable.
The official programme supports the free airshow and is the best place to find detailed flying times when available.
Use these official sources before travelling. They are the best places to check dates, flying line-ups, parking, road closures and safety updates.
The official RAF Red Arrows display page is the key source for team display information.
The main official site for Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow.
Check the confirmed flying displays announced so far for 2026.
Useful for entry, flying times, dogs, parking and general event questions.
Pre-bookable parking, Park & Bus information and car park details.
Airbourne is free to attend, but donations help support the future of the show.
Check rail travel updates before travelling to or from Eastbourne.
Useful for passengers travelling by train across Sussex and to Eastbourne.
The safest answer is: do not rely on it. The official display is linked to the Eastbourne event, and any wider visibility from Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Seaford, Lewes or other Sussex areas depends on transit routes, weather, height, timing and direction of travel.
If official Red Arrows transit times or route maps are published closer to the event, some people may be able to see aircraft travelling over parts of Sussex. However, for the proper display, Eastbourne Seafront remains the destination to plan around.
If seeing the Red Arrows is the main reason for your day out, plan for Eastbourne Airshow rather than hoping to catch a transit route elsewhere.
Wider Sussex sightings may happen, but they should be treated as a bonus, not the main plan.
Eastbourne hotels and seafront accommodation can become busy during Airbourne weekend. If you are travelling from outside Sussex, consider booking early and arranging transport in advance.
Staying in Eastbourne gives the easiest access to the seafront, but availability can be limited during major events.
Brighton and Hove can be useful if visitors want a wider Sussex weekend with restaurants, nightlife and seaside attractions.
Gatwick hotels can be useful for visitors flying in or out around the airshow weekend.
These Sussex Airports Taxis pages may help visitors planning Red Arrows, Eastbourne Airshow, airport transfers or family travel across Sussex.
Pre-booked local and long-distance taxi journeys for Eastbourne visitors.
Taxi and airport transfer services for Brighton passengers and visitors.
Long-distance taxis and airport transfers from Worthing and West Sussex.
Airport transfers between Gatwick, Eastbourne, Brighton and Sussex towns.
Long-distance airport transfers between Sussex and Heathrow Airport.
Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow 2026 is scheduled to take place from Thursday 13 August to Sunday 16 August 2026.
The official 2026 flying line-up currently lists the RAF Red Arrows from Friday to Sunday. Visitors should check the official Airbourne and RAF Red Arrows pages closer to the event for the latest updates.
Airbourne is promoted as a free-entry event. Visitors can support the show by donating, buying the official programme and using official event services.
Eastbourne Seafront is the main viewing area. Western Lawns, the Bandstand area, the pier area and the wider seafront are popular options, depending on crowd levels and personal preference.
It may be possible to see aircraft transiting across parts of Sussex depending on routes and weather, but the proper planned display is linked to the Eastbourne Airshow. For the best chance of seeing the display, travel to Eastbourne.
Official parking options include pre-bookable Airbourne car parks and Park & Bus arrangements. Check the official Airbourne parking page before travelling because details and prices can change.
Yes, local road closures are used during Airbourne. Official 2026 road closure details are expected to be published closer to summer 2026.
Yes. Sussex Airports Taxis provides pre-booked taxis and airport transfers across Sussex, including journeys to and from Eastbourne, Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Lewes, Gatwick and Heathrow.
Families should consider sun protection, water, comfortable shoes, ear protection for children, phone chargers, layers for changing weather and a clear meeting point for the journey home.
Check the official RAF Red Arrows display page and the official Airbourne flying line-up before travelling. Flying displays can change due to weather, operational commitments and safety requirements.
