Duxford Flying Days

Previously called Showcase Days

Flying Days at IWM Duxford 2024

Lancaster

BBMF Lancaster in 2021

The number of Flying Days has gradually reduced. In 2024 there are just three.

Access to the IWM Duxford on Flying Days is free for members but still has to be booked.

Parking does not have to be pre-booked for flying days but there are no park and ride services at stations.

Flying details will be in the tables when announced.

Duxford Flying Days May - August 2023
VE DayMay 5th
The AmericansJuly 26th
19 SquadronAugust 31st
See the British Airshows calendar for a full list of all known British airshows in 2023 and 2024 or Duxford Airshows page for details of Duxford airshows


VE Day
May 7

Expected display aircraft
Please check the show's site for the latest list

The Americans
July 26

Display aircraft expected
Please check the show's site for the latest list

19 Squadron
August 31

Display aircraft expected
Please check the show's site for the latest list

Flying Days at IWM Duxford 2023

Lancaster

BBMF Lancaster in 2021

Four 'Flying Days' have been announced for 2023.

Access to the IWM Duxford on Flying Days is free for members but still has to be booked.

Parking does not have to be pre-booked for flying days but there are no park and ride services at stations.

Some flying details are in the tables. More will be added when announced.

Duxford Flying Days May - August 2023
VE DayMay 7th
Commemorating D-DayJune 4th
The AmericansJuly 28th
19 SquadronAugust 12th
See the British Airshows calendar for a full list of all known British airshows in 2023 or Duxford Airshows page for details of Duxford airshows


VE Day
May 7

Expected display aircraft
Please check the show's site for the latest list
Consolidated Catalina PBY-5A G-PBYA: Catalina Society 'Plane Sailing'Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina
Bucker Jungmann, SkytricksBücker Bü131 Jungmann, G-BSAJ, Skytricks (Anna Walker)
Dragon Rapide G-AGJGde Havilland DH.89A Dragon Rapide G-AGJG (de Havilland Support Ltd)
Turbulent Team
American Champion Extreme Decathlon

Hawker Nimrod Mk I G-BWWK (The Fighter Collection)
Hawker Fury G-CBELHawker Fury FB.II G-CBEL 'SR661' (Painted as Sea Fury Prototype) (Fighter Aviation Engineering)
Grumman Bearcat F8F-2P G-RUMM: The Fighter CollectionGrumman F8F-2P Bearcat G-RUMM
Spitfire MkVc G-IBSYSupermarine Spitfire Mk Vc G-IBSY 'EE602' (Anglia Aircraft Restorations)
Supermarine Spitfire LFVb EP120 G-LFVB: The Fighter Collection
Hawker Hurricane Mk Xlla (HAC)

Commemorating D-Day
June 4

Display aircraft
Please check the show's site for the latest list
Douglas C-47 Skytrain (Aero Legends)
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress G-BEDF 'Sally B'Boeing B-17G 'Sally B'
Westland Lysander Mk. IIIA V9312, Aircraft Restoration CompanyWestland Lysander IIIA V9312 G-CCOM, Aircraft Restoration Company
Hispano HA-1112 Buchon G-AWHK 'Yellow 10' (ARC)

The Americans
July 28

Display aircraft expected
Please check the show's site for the latest list
Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress G-BEDF 'Sally B'Boeing B-17G 'Sally B'

19 Squadron
August 12

Display aircraft expected
Please check the show's site for the latest list

Flying Days at IWM Duxford 2022

Lancaster

BBMF Lancaster in 2021

Two of the 2021 Flying Days: 'After Hours' and 'Best Of ...' have become 'Special Flying Events' in 2022. But there are still four traditional Flying Days and two model aircraft flying days in 2022.

Access to the IWM Duxford on Flying Days is £30 per adult: free for members. The two 'Special Events' (Flying Evening and Flying Finale) are not free for members.

Some details are in the tables. More will be added when announced.

Duxford Flying Days April - October 2022
General AviationNo longer listed as a flying day
VE DayMay 7th
Model AircraftMay 8th
Commemorating D-DayJune 5th
The AmericansJuly 23rd
Young AviatorsAugust 1st
Model Aircraft - CentenaryOctober 9th
See the British Airshows calendar for a full list of all known British airshows in 2022 or Duxford Airshows page for details of Duxford airshows


VE Day
May 7

Display aircraft
Please check the show's site for the latest list
Supermarine Spitfire LFVb EP120 G-LFVB: The Fighter Collection
Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk.Vb BM597 G-MKVB (HAC)
Hawker Hurricane Mk Xlla (HAC)
Goodyear FG-1D Corsair G-FGID
North American TF-51D Mustang 'Contrary Mary' (formerly 'Miss Velma') G-TFSI (Air Leasing)
Hispano HA-1112-M4L Buchon 'White 9' G-AWHH: Air LeasingHispano HA-1112-M4L Buchon "White 9" G-AWHH (Air Leasing)
Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina (Plane Sailing)
Yakovlev Yak-18T, Yakovlev Yak-52 (pair)
LeVier Cosmic Wind
Bücker Bü131 Jungmann
Hawker Nimrod I (Fighter Collection)

Commemorating D-Day
June 5

Display aircraft scheduledFlying cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions. Show's schedule
Grumman FM-2 Wildcat G-RUMW
North American TF-51D Mustang 'Contrary Mary' (formerly 'Miss Velma') G-TFSI (Air Leasing)
Republic P-47 ThunderboltRepublic P47D Thunderbolt 'Nellie B'
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide
Supermarine Spitfire FR XlV G-SPIT MV268 (Air Leasing)
Hispano HA-1112 Buchon G-AWHK 'Yellow 10' (ARC)
Hispano HA-1112-M4L Buchon 'White 9' G-AWHH: Air LeasingHispano HA-1112-M4L Buchon (Air Leasing)
Hawker Fury FB.II G-CBEL (Air Leasing)
Goodyear FG-1D Corsair G-FGID
Beechcraft UC-43 Staggerwing

The Americans
July 23

Display aircraft expectedPlease check the show's site for the latest list
North American TF-51D Mustang 'Contrary Mary' (formerly 'Miss Velma') G-TFSI (Anglia Aircraft Restorations / Ultimate Fighters)
P-51D Mustang 'Miss Helen'
Curtiss P-40F Warhawk 'Lees's Hope' G-CGZP
Republic P-47 ThunderboltRepublic P47D Thunderbolt 'Nellie B'
Supermarine Spitfire Mk X1 G-PRXI 'PL983' (ARCo)
Boeing B-17G 'Sally B'
Supermarine Spitfire Mk XVIe (Low Back) G-OXVI TD248
Piper L4 'Grasshopper' (x3)

Young Aviators
August 1

Display aircraft expectedPlease check the show's site for the latest list
Turbulent Team
LeVier Cosmic Wind G-ARUL
Bücker Bü131 Jungmann 

Flying Days at IWM Duxford 2021

Lancaster

BBMF Lancaster on October 9th

In addition to major airshows, The Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford has 'Flying Days', previously called 'Showcase Days'.

In a way, every day is a flying day at IWM Duxford, because Duxford-based aircraft regularly come and go; Duxford-based companies practice and both operate and test their fleets and, except when conditions are too poor, Classic Wings operate vintage flight experiences. But scheduled Flying Days add displays to that regular activity.

In 2021 each of these Flying Days was themed: the themes of the 2021 Flying Days are in the tables.

As well as a variety of themes, there was also variety in the appeal of the various Flying Days through the season. Some added only a few flights to the normal activity whereas others added either novelty or a substantial flying programme to the day. Possibly the two most significant Flying Days were 'After Hours' on August 28th and 'The Best of 2021' on October 9th.

'After Hours' was a superb example of late afternoon flying, with a wide variety of types flying as the sun sank, providing a true spectacle in excellent light.

'The Best Of 2021' was closer to a full airshow than a Flying Day, and welcomed the return to displays of the BBMF Lancaster and the Hawker Nimrod amongst other delights.

Click the blue text for photos taken at the 'After Hours' and 'Best of 2021' shows.

Although subject to any Covid-19 or other restrictions applicable at the time, there was usually also a chance to visit the museums and to enjoy pop up displays and experiences before some afternoon flying.

In 2021, entry to daytime Flying Days was free for IWM members (but not the evening one) and members still had to book. Parking was free for everyone.

Flying Days are certainly a welcome addition to the airshow schedule: hopefully one that will be repeated in 2022 and beyond.

Duxford Flying Days April - July 2021
 April 24th Cancelled
 May 8th Cancelled
Standing TogetherMay 22nd
Commemorating D-DayJune 6th
Model AircraftJune 19th
Thank you DadsJune 20th
Behind the ScenesJuly 3rd
Duxford Flying Days Aug - Oct 2021
Squadron 19 HeroesAugust 4th
ShowtimeAugust 11th
Young AviatorsAugust 19th
After HoursAugust 28thPhotos
The FightersSeptember 4th
Best of 2021October 9thPhotos
See the British Airshows calendar for a full list of all known British airshows in 2022 or Duxford Airshows page for details of Duxford airshows
 

Best of 2021, October 9Photos

Aircraft due to display
Eurofighter Typhoon (RAF)
Republic P-47 ThunderboltRepublic P47 Thunderbolt 'Nellie' (Ultimate Fighters)
North American P-51D Mustang 'Contrary Mary' (formerly 'Miss Velma') G-TFSI (Anglia Aircraft Restorations / Ultimate Fighters)
BBMF Lancaster and two Spitfires
Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia G-CFGJ 'N3200' (IWM)
Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk.Vb BM597 G-MKVB (HAC)
RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team
Hawker Hurricane Mk.IHawker Hurricane Mk.I
Bücker Bü131 Jungmann 
HarvardNorth American Harvard Mk.IV 'Wacky Wabbit'
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide
 Slepcev (reduced-size, kit-built Fieseler Fi 156) Storch & Piper L4 Grasshopper
LeVier Cosmic Wind G-ARUL
Pitts Special
Yakovlev Yak-3
Yakovlev Yak-52 G-YAKH
Slingsby T67M MKII Firefly G-BNSR
de Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk
Hawker Nimrod

The Fighters, September 4

Display Aircraft
Goodyear Corsair G-FGID
Curtiss-Wright P-40F 'Lee's Hope' G-CGZP
More display aircraft may be announced closer to the day of the show. Please check the show's web site for information about the show and displays.

After Hours, August 28Photos

Display Aircraft
Boeing B-17G 'Sally B'
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX G-PBIX RW382 'Porky II': Suffolk Spitfire Ltd., (pilot Clive Denny)
Curtiss-Wright P-40F 'Lee's Hope' G-CGZP (pilot Stu Goldspink)
Supermarine Spitfire Vb BM597 G-MKVB: HAC
Hispano HA-1112-M4L Buchon 'White 9' G-AWHH: Air LeasingHispano HA-1112-M4L Buchon "White 9" G-AWHH: Air Leasing (pilot Steve Jones)
Hawker Hurricane P3717
Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia G-CFGJ 'N3200': IWM
Fokker Dr.1Fokker Dr.1 (Replica) G-FOKK Red Barron colours (pilot Paul Ford)
de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver G-DHCZ: Aircraft Restoration Company (pilot Stu Goldspink)
de Havilland DH83 Fox Moth (pilot Mark Miller)
Red Sparrows
Hawker Hurricane Mk I V7497
Brendan O'Brien & Schwezer S300c 'Otto' the helicopter
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide. Listed but did not fly

Young Aviators, August 19

Display Aircraft
Goodyear Corsair G-FGID
Mew Gull (Replica)
Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia G-CFGJ 'N3200' (IWM)
Turbulent Team.
Mudry Cap 232 (flying with Extra 300)
Extra 300 (flying with Mudry Cap)
Before the show, a USAF Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker made 2 passes, the second with the refuelling boom lowered
Westland Lysander IIIA V9312 G-CCOM withdrawn

Showtime, August 11

Aircraft listed before the show
    North American Harvard
Yakovlev Yak-50
Mudry CAP 10

Squadron 19 Heroes, August 4

Display Aircraft
Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia G-CFGJ 'N3200' (IWM)
Nanchang CJ-6
P51 Mustang 'Miss Helen'
Yakovlev Yak-50
Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 V7497

Behind the Scenes, July 3

Display Aircraft
North American P-51D Mustang 'Contrary Mary' (formerly 'Miss Velma') G-TFSI (Anglia Aircraft Restorations / Ultimate Fighters)
Hispano HA-1112-M4L Buchon 'White 9' G-AWHH: Air LeasingHispano HA-1112-M4L Buchon "White 9" G-AWHH (Air Leasing)
Hispano HA-1112 Buchon G-AWHK 'Yellow 10' (ARC)
Extra 300 G-XXTR
DH83 Foxmoth
Supermarine Spitfire PRXI G-PRXI PL965
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXb G-ASJV MH434
Supermarine Spitfire LFVb EP120 G-LFVB: The Fighter Collection
T67 Firefly
Grumman Wildcat G-RUMW
Chipmunk

Thank You Dads, June 20

Display Aircraft
Hawker Hurricane P3717
Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia G-CFGJ 'N3200' (IWM)
North American NA-64 YaleNorth American NA-64 Yale
PBY-5A Catalina
de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide
HarvardNorth American Harvard Mk.IV 'Wacky Wabbit'
Hispano HA-1112 Buchon G-AWHK 'Yellow 10' (ARC) (did not fly)
Curtiss-Wright Hawk 75 G-CCVH (did not fly)

Commemorating D-Day, June 6

Display Aircraft
Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXb G-ASJV MH434
Hispano HA-1112 Buchon G-AWHK 'Yellow 10' (ARC)
Goodyear Corsair G-FGID
Piper L4 Grasshoppers (3)
Republic P-47 ThunderboltRepublic P47 Thunderbolt 'Nellie B'
North American P-51D Mustang 'Contrary Mary' (formerly 'Miss Velma') G-TFSI (Anglia Aircraft Restorations / Ultimate Fighters)
Grumman Wildcat G-RUMW
Douglas C-47 Skytrain

Standing Together, May 22

Display Aircraft. Flew on the day
Piper L4 (Clive Denney)
Hawker Hurricane Mk Xlla 'P3700' (HAC) (Dave Harvey)
SIAI-Marchetti SF.260SIAI Marchetti F.260 G-RAZI (Paul Freeland)
PBY-5A Catalina (Derek Head and John Harmsworth)
Goodyear Corsair G-FGID (Brian Smith)
Supermarine Spitfire LFVb EP120 G-LFVB: The Fighter Collection (Dave Southwood)
Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia G-CFGJ 'N3200' (IWM) (John Romain)

About IWM Duxford

Duxford was an airfield in the First World War and was an RAF fighter station and then an American fighter base in the second. It was the base of the first operational Spitfire squadron during WW2.

It is now home to the Imperial War Museum with aviation, tanks, military vehicles and naval exhibits as well as the Fighter Collection, The Old Flying Machine Company, The Aircraft Restoration Company, Historic Aircraft Collection, B-17 Preservation Society and others.

Getting to Duxford Flying Days

By car

Duxford is in Cambridgeshire, off Junction 10 of the M11. If you are coming from the north, an alternative is to leave at Junction 11 and take the A10 to Royston, then the A505, although this is a much longer route. The Post Code (for Sat Nav) is CB22 4QR but some systems will only recognise the older code CB2 4QR.

 Directions

There are links to other route planners in the Travel Advice section.

By Train

The easiest (but not the closest) train station is Cambridge, which has a direct service from London.

Alternatives are Royston and Whittlesford Parkway, which is the closest to the show.

Click here to create a pocket timetable for your journey between any stations on the National Rail network.

Travel Advice

Road traffic updates
Highways Agency
Rail
Incidents and enquiries
National Railway Map
DIY pocket timetable
Journey planning by public transport
Traveline
Route planners (Road)
AA
RAC
Bing (Microsoft)

Accommodation near Duxford

It is best to book as far as possible in advance. This is not only because nearby hotels and guest houses tend get booked up well before the date of an airshow but also because prices can be better when you book early online.

The location is already built in to the links but please check, and change as necessary, the dates, number of rooms and number of guests.

Booking.com

 

Some More Options

There are three Premier Inn hotels in Cambridge and another four within about 20 miles of the show.

Travelodge have one hotel about 4 miles from the show, which tends to be available a little bit longer after other low-cost hotels have been fully booked. There are three more Travelodge hotels in and around Cambridge.

Weather for the Duxford area

UK Met Office Forecast

A full 7 day Duxford weather forecast from the UK Met Office

BBC Forecast

A 14-day forecast from the BBC

What the forecasts tell you

The Met Office 7-day forecast includes actual and "feels like" temperatures, the likelihood of rain, wind speed, wind direction, wind gusts and visibility: the latter can have an impact on the viability of displays.

The BBC's 14-day forecast has overall conditions including and hourly estimate of temperature, wind direction, wind speed and UV range.

Click the blue-text link to go to the forecast. The location is already built into the links.

2022 Show Basics

Dates

See the full list on the '2022 Flying Days' tab

Airshow links

Duxford's web site

Tickets in 2022

Free for members but need to be booked.
See the show's page for the specific Flying Day for ticket details.

Car Parking

Parking is free on Flying Days

Travel

Sat Nav CB22 4QR

 Directions

For links to other travel and route planning web sites, click the 'Getting There' tab

 

Tweet