Shock announcement for Abingdon’s popular summer air show

The show at Abingdon Airfield, next to Dalton Barracks, attracts thousands of aviation enthusiasts every year. It was due to be held on Saturday, June 13.

The event’s website says: “The 2026 event is cancelled due to circumstances outside of our control.”

READ MORE: Air show will no longer feature air display

Air show organisers also posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Due to circumstances beyond our control it is with reluctance that we are having to cancel the show which was due to be held on Saturday, June 13.

“We have tried to find ways of making this year’s show viable but its not to be unfortunately.”

Last month, organisers announced there would be no air display but added they hoped they would be able to stage the show, with displays of aircraft on the ground.

Abingdon Air & Country Show (Image: Oxford Mail)

A statement from the organisers said at the time: “We have a major change to this year’s show.

“Due to costs of both air display aircraft and the insurance for air displays and road closures we have had to reluctantly chop the air display programme segment – a first after over 20 plus years to keep the show inside its smaller budget to survive, so we hope you understand as to why.”

Organisers have previously said it costs about £80,000 a year to stage the air show.

The festival has raised more than £100,000 for various charities since it launched in 2000.

Following the announcement last month that there would be no air display, organisers added that after “much hard work” with Dalton Barracks and with the advice of the Military Aviation Authority, civilian aircraft and helicopters would be available for static viewing.

“Very limited military aircraft are hoping to support on the ground too,” the organisers added in their statement.

They said at the time: “Also, further good news is the whole show will now be moving back across to the west side of the airfield which is both better for accessibility, provides a concrete access track to and from the car park and showground as well as much better for budding photographers with the sun behind you for most of the day.”

The 25th anniversary show took place in June sunshine last year, attracting at least 5,000 visitors.

The previous year, the show was scheduled to take place in May but was postponed until September.

An RAF Lancaster and Dakota (Image: Paul Johnson)

Following the show’s success in 2025, organiser Neil Porter said: “What a fantastic day everyone seemed to be having – we’ve had some lovely positive reviews and that’s what spurs us volunteers on. 

“I have been asked about next year already – let’s see where we are financially first before any decisions are made.

“All I can say on behalf of the committee, to all those who supported us across the board, a big thank you.”