Doubts Over RAF Waddington’s 2015 Air Show

Although this year’s show is going ahead as planned, the future of next year's Waddington Air Show is in doubt due to a £35m rebuild of the runway.

Doubts remain over Waddington's 2015 Air Show

Currently out to tender, the work will extend Waddington's 9,000ft runway by 528 ft and increase its operational life by 25 years.

Group Captain Richard Barrow said the work will not only create disruption for aircraft, but potential safety issues for the thousands of show spectators. Speaking on the first air show podcast, Gp Capt Barrow said: "I don't think I've really got all the information to make any promises either way at the moment.

"I need a bit of time to understand the impact of that and what the impact might be on 2015 for example. I'm working with the air show committee to really understand what that means at the moment."

During the work, aircraft will be forced to operate from other airfields, even though they will still be controlled from Waddington. There will be a considerable amount of construction machinery and the workers will be at the site to complete the work. Gp Capt Barrow said there were no guarantees that the comprehensive plan would run as smoothly as expected and there will be additional risks to identify.

The show attracted 145,000 visitors last year and its cancellation would have a significant impact on Lincoln's visitor economy. Last year's show also raised more than £375,000 for service charities and local worthy causes.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and The Royal Air Force Association, which provide financial assistance to ex-servicemen, each received a whopping £135,000 donation after the show.
The Station Charities Fund, which disperses money to local charities, received £29,000, as did the Air Cadets Organisation and £50,000 was donated to Lincoln Bomber Command Memorial Fund.

                                                            Waddington Air Show 2014