Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) has added a sixth exhibition hall for the 2026 event after selling out exhibition space and chalets. The exhibitor spaces sold out 12 months ahead of the airshow, leaving more than 50 organisations on a waiting list.
The organisers of the airshow, which takes place on 20-24 July 2026 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Hampshire, UK, say it will be the largest in its 78-year history. The event will feature 26 international pavilions, including India, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and Switzerland.
Defence SME Zone launches
The 2026 airshow will see the introduction of the Defence SME Zone, sponsored by Babcock International. The zone is intended to accelerate the visibility and growth of next-generation defence suppliers.
The zone will showcase businesses with turnover under £10 million, all specialising in defence and security technologies. Confirmed participants include Cognitive Design by CDS, Elite EMC, Emergent, Infortecorp Solutions, Inspectahire, and Needles And Pins Aerospace.
Enterprise Gateway programme
Running on 21-23 July alongside the Business Connections Exchange, the Enterprise Gateway will deliver workshops on procurement, regulation, exports and funding, as well as keynotes and mentoring sessions.
The programme includes live pitching sessions connecting SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) with investors and primes, and insights aligned with the UK Government’s Plan for Change. Speakers include a partner at Mercurea, a general partner at Twin Track Ventures, and the managing director of Alatar.
STEM day for young people
The show concludes on 24 July with Pioneers of Tomorrow, a dedicated STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) day for aspiring aerospace engineers.
The day will include a careers fair and digital job board advertising apprenticeships, graduate schemes and entry-level roles, alongside competitions and on-stand experiences. Participating organisations include Babcock International Group, Parker Aerospace, and Belcan.
Trade tickets for the 2026 FIA are now on sale from £59 plus VAT.
