Red Arrows display cut short days before Bournemouth Air Festival

The diaplay team were due to feature at the Rhyl Air Show from 4pm till 5pm and were to close the show full of bank holiday fun. 

However, many spectators across social media report that 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. 

Steve, the pilot @rafred_6 is a bit shaken but well, thank you. His immediate actions delivered calmly and correctly with the support of his colleagues ensured a safe outcome. #RedArrows #teamwork #RhylAirShow2022 https://t.co/fMteBki3Mh

— David Montenegro (@RAFRedArrowsOC) August 28, 2022

On Twitter, a spokesperson for the Red Arrows said: "Thank you to everyone at this weekend’s Rhyl Airshow. We had to finish today’s #RedArrows display a few minutes early after one of our jets suffered a bird strike, damaging the cockpit canopy. This type of incident is not uncommon in aviation and is extremely well-trained for."

They continued: "In this instance, Red 6 and the whole team responded perfectly together, with no further risk to the pilot and aircraft. Happy to report the jet landed safely and the pilot is unhurt. Thank you for the many well wishes and messages!"

Thank you to everyone at this weekend’s Rhyl Airshow. We had to finish today’s #RedArrows display a few minutes early after one of our jets suffered a bird strike, damaging the cockpit canopy. This type of incident is not uncommon in aviation and is extremely well-trained for.

— Red Arrows (@rafredarrows) August 28, 2022

The Red Arrows are due to fly on every day of the Bournemouth Air Festival, which starts on Thursday, September 1.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit the conurbation for the four-day event.