The Red Arrows have been forced to pull out of a string of UK air shows after poor weather conditions left them stranded more than 2,400 miles away.
The RAF’s aerobatics team was due to return to their Lincolnshire home last week following a tour of the US.
However, the trip to RAF Waddington was delayed after adverse weather forecasts were issued in Canada.
The Red Arrows have now said they expect to make their return to the UK next week.
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Wing Cdr Sasha Nash, officer commanding the RAF aerobatic team, said: “We are very sorry the Red Arrows cannot participate at these events and we are grateful to organisers and communities for their understanding.
“Every effort is being made to ensure the Red Arrows can recommence the busy display season as soon as possible.
“However, safety is the only factor that will determine the timing of the team’s return from Canada.”
The Red Arrows will now miss scheduled appearances at the Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week.
The iconic 11-pilot RAF group visited the US to mark 250 years of American independence.
Despite the delay, the Red Arrows are expected to resume their summer schedule later this month.
Pilots still hope to appear at the Cromer Carnival off the Norfolk coast on August 19.
However, thousands of visitors hoping to see the Red Arrows at next week’s events have been left bitterly disappointed by the delay.
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Lyme Regis Mayor Philip Evans said he was “distraught” the appearance could not go ahead.
He added: “Lyme Regis Town Council had agreed to contribute £10,000 towards the overall cost of securing a visit by the Arrows.
“Thanks to the generosity of the people [of] Lyme and district, the full amount had been raised following the reforming of the Lyme Regis Red Arrows 100 Club.
“We will, of course, refund all the donations received.”
Meanwhile, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Jenny Williams said the town had been looking forward to welcoming the team.
She added: “We understand that the safety of the team must always come first.
“I wish them all a safe journey home.”
Eastbourne is now “working around the clock” to secure some additional displays.
The delay was announced just one year after GB News revealed that windy conditions cancelled Clacton airshow’s World War Two flypast.
The 2025 display was forced to abandon its opening flypast by Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancaster Bombers after strong winds affected aircraft departing from RAF Coningsby.
The cancellation was announced just minutes before the planned performance, leaving some spectators disappointed.
The Lancaster Bomber had already withdrawn earlier in the day because of “operational issues”, before organisers confirmed that the remaining Battle of Britain aircraft would also be unable to take part.
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