Red Arrows cut another display short

Red Arrows suspended their first display at Bournemouth Air Festival after Red 6’s aircraft was giving irregular indications at the weekend. 

As a precaution, Red 6 returned to Bournemouth Airport with the remaining team following afterwards. 

READ MORE: Pictures show damage caused by Red Arrows bird strike at Rhyl Air Show

A Red Arrows spokesman said: “Unfortunately, the team had to cut-short the second half of today’s display because Red 6’s aircraft was giving irregular engine indications.  

Red Arrows today. Image by Richard Crease

“As a precaution, Red 6 safely returned to the airport early and the team followed afterwards. 

“We’re excited to be flying across the three remaining days of the show.” 

READ MORE: Red Arrows pilot speaks out after bird strike incident at Rhyl Air Show

The spokesman added: “It’s wonderful to back in Bournemouth. The air festival is always an important part of any Red Arrows’ calendar and it’s the biggest show of its type we do anywhere in the UK and mainland Europe.  

“2022 is the Red Arrows’ busiest season since 2018. The air festival provides a great opportunity to inspire in the air and the ground - with the pilots often meeting people at the event when not flying and a team of Blues (our support staff) at the RAF Experience area throughout the festival. 

Red Arrows today. Image by Richard Crease (Image: Richard Crease)

Squad member Red 1 issued an apology to the crowd but said safety could not be put at risk. 

READ MORE: Readers capture the best of the 2022 Rhyl Air Show

Last weekend, the Red Arrows cut short their display in Rhyl following a bird strike. 

The display team were due to close Rhyl Air Show on Sunday.  

However, many spectators across social media reported they heard a bang or a pop before one of the aircraft was forced to land early at Hawarden Airport, where the Red Arrows were based for the show. 

The cockpit canopy of Red 6 was smashed into by a bird.