Farnborough International Airshow is one of the two largest aerospace trade events in the world, alongside the Paris Air Show. Held biennially in Hampshire, England, it has shaped the global aviation industry for over seven decades and continues to be the venue where billions of pounds in aircraft orders are announced.
This is a complete guide to what the airshow is, where it sits in aviation history, and how to make the most of a visit, whether you’re a trade professional or a member of the public.
A Brief History of the Show
The first Farnborough Airshow was held in 1948, organised by the Society of British Aircraft Constructors. For decades, it was an annual event focused exclusively on British aerospace, hosted at the Royal Aircraft Establishment site in Farnborough, the birthplace of British aviation. Samuel Cody made the first powered flight in Britain at Farnborough in 1908, giving the site genuine historical weight.
In 1962, the show became biennial, alternating years with the Paris Air Show. It opened up to international exhibitors in 1974, transforming from a British showcase into a global trade event.
Today, the show is run by Farnborough International Limited, a subsidiary of ADS Group, the UK trade body for aerospace, defence, security, and space industries.
What Happens at Farnborough Airshow?
The airshow has two distinct identities depending on which day you visit.
Trade days (Monday to Friday in show week) — Closed to the public, these days are reserved for industry professionals, OEMs, defence ministries, airlines, suppliers, and media. This is when major announcements happen: Boeing and Airbus reveal new aircraft orders, defence contracts get signed, partnerships are announced. Past shows have seen single-day order books exceeding £100 billion in aircraft alone.
Public weekend — The Saturday and Sunday following trade days are open to the public, with a dedicated programme aimed at families, aviation enthusiasts, and STEM education. Flying displays feature military aircraft, historic warbirds, civilian aerobatic teams, and the latest commercial jets.
What You’ll See
The static display features hundreds of aircraft on the ground, from civilian airliners and business jets to the latest fighter aircraft and unmanned systems. Visitors can walk among them, and on public days, climb aboard many of them.
The flying display runs daily, with set programmes featuring aerial demonstrations from teams like the Red Arrows, the RAF, manufacturers showing off new commercial aircraft, and historic flypasts.
Exhibition halls house hundreds of companies across aerospace, defence, space, and emerging technologies. Recent years have seen huge growth in sustainable aviation, electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft, advanced air mobility (eVTOLs), and space sector exhibits.
The Innovation Zone showcases startups and emerging technologies, while a growing Space Hub reflects the explosive growth of the UK and international space industry.
Where Is Farnborough?
Farnborough is a town in north-east Hampshire, around 35 miles south-west of central London. The airshow takes place at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, adjacent to Farnborough Airport (TAG Farnborough), one of Europe’s premier business aviation airports.
The town is served by Farnborough (Main) railway station, with direct trains to London Waterloo taking around 35-50 minutes. By road, it’s accessed via the M3 motorway (Junction 4 or 4a) and the A331.
Getting to the Show
For visitors arriving from outside the UK, the most common arrival airports are Heathrow (25 miles), Gatwick (45 miles), London City (50 miles), Stansted (60 miles), and Luton (70 miles). Each has different transport options to Farnborough, with private car transfers being the most reliable during airshow week given the volume of attendees.
For visitors travelling within the UK, the train is often the easiest option, though heavy luggage, large groups, or VIP arrivals usually warrant pre-booked car transfers.
Accommodation During Airshow Week
Hotels in Farnborough, Aldershot, Camberley, and Fleet typically sell out 6-12 months before the show. Many trade visitors stay in Guildford, Woking, or central London and commute daily. Major hotel brands operating in the area include the Aviator (a TAG-owned hotel adjacent to the airshow site), Holiday Inn Farnborough, Premier Inn, Village Hotel Farnborough, and various boutique country house hotels in the surrounding Surrey/Hampshire countryside.
Tickets and Access
Trade day access is by invitation or industry registration only, with credentials issued by Farnborough International. Public weekend tickets go on sale in advance via the official Farnborough Airshow website and frequently sell out for peak time slots.
Planning Your Visit
For trade visitors, plan your appointments well in advance. Chalet meetings, demo flights, and hospitality events all require pre-arrangement, and walk-ups during show week are rarely possible. Build buffer time into your schedule for walks between exhibition halls, the static display, and chalet row, which can mean substantial distances.
For public visitors, arrive early, wear comfortable footwear, bring sun protection (Hampshire in July can deliver anything from glorious sunshine to heavy rain), and plan your day around the published flying display schedule.
For both audiences, transport logistics are critical. Allow significantly more time than usual for journeys to and from the venue, and consider pre-booking your transfers rather than relying on taxis or ride-hailing apps which struggle with demand during the week.
The Industry Impact of Farnborough
Beyond the spectacle, Farnborough is where the global aviation industry sets its agenda for the coming two years. Order announcements made here shape manufacturer production schedules, supply chain investment, and airline fleet planning. Defence announcements influence procurement programmes worth tens of billions. Space sector partnerships set the direction of commercial space activity.
For the UK economy, the show is a showcase of British aerospace capability and a major driver of inward investment and export deals. UK aerospace is the second-largest in the world after the USA, and Farnborough is its biggest week in the spotlight.
Need Transport to Farnborough Airshow?
DM Airport Transfers provides UK-wide transfers to Farnborough from every major airport, plus on-call chauffeur services throughout airshow week. We’ve been part of the airshow’s transport scene for years and know the venue, the routing, and the realities of show-week logistics inside out.
