The map shows the route and schedules of the Red Arrows coronation flybys | UK News
More than 60 aircraft, including the Red Arrows, will fly by this afternoon to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. rise into the air.
However, there are fears that the event will have to be canceled due to rain. Sir Michael Wigston, Air Chief Marshal of the Royal Air Force (RAF), stated there was a 50/50 chance of it happening.
But in line with King Charles’ desire for a “slimmed-down” event, it will be 10 times smaller than the drive-by for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.
Royals will watch the flyby from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, which will feature historic aircraft such as Spitfires and modern jets.
It follows the flyby for Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, which was attended by more than 70 aircraft.
So what is the route for the Coronation flyby and where can you see it?
Here’s what you need to know.
When and what time is the coronation flight?
The coronation flight with the Red Arrows will be there 2.30 p.m(weather permitting) after the ceremony at Westminster Abbey this morning.
It will last around six minutes and will include historic Spitfires and 16 helicopters in formation, RAF transport aircraft and Lightning jets, among others.
The full lineup of aircraft is yet to be confirmed, but a Lancaster bombers and Typhoons took part in the 30-strong rehearsal in Lincolnshire this week.
What is the Coronation Flight Route?
Coronation of King Charles III. At latest
The historic coronation of Her Majesties King Charles III. and Queen Camilla takes place today (6 May) at Westminster Abbey.
For the latest royal updates, visit Metro.co.uk’s dedicated Coronations page.
Some aircraft will fly south from the Norfolk coast via Thetford while others will fly in from the North Sea via Southwold and then Ipswich. From this point they will all follow the same route.
The planes will fly to London via Essex and will also fly in parts of Surrey as well as Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire as they disperse.
Each area is divided into zones and these are the approximate time periods to keep an eye out based on when the airspace should be restricted:
Where to watch the Coronation Flight – approximate times and major cities in each zone
- Zone A – 1.15pm to 3pm (North Sea, Gt. Yarmouth), not below 17,500ft.
- Zone B (Thetford, Swaffham) – 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., no lower than 5,500 feet.
- Zone C – (Ipswich) 2pm to 3pm, no below 7,000ft.
- Zone D – (Chelmsford, Colchester) 2:00pm to 2:45pm.
- Zone E – (London, Slough) 2:10pm to 2:45pm, no lower than 2,500ft.
- Zone F – (Croydon) 2:20 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., no lower than 2,500 feet.
- Zone G – (Oxford, Reading, Swindon) 2:20pm to 3:00pm.
- Zone H – (Cirencester) 2:20 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., no lower than 10,500 feet.
- Zone I – (Tidworth) 2:20 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., no lower than 10,500 feet.
Full list of aircraft expected to participate
The following aircraft took part in the rehearsal but the cast will be confirmed soon and as always is subject to change.
- Juno HT1 Helicopter (Spectre) – ZM504, ZM512, ZM532
- Wildcat HMA2 Helicopter (Seacat) – ZZ517
- Wildcat AH1 Helicopter (Nighthawk) – ZZ520
- Apache Helicopter (Nighthawk) – ZM717, ZM723
- Wildcat AH1 Helicopter (Command) – ZZ524
- Merlin Helicopter (Command) – ZJ122
- Chinook Helicopter (Lifter) – ZH897
- Puma Helicopter (Lifter) – XW235
- BBMF Lancaster-PA474
- Phenom T1 (camel) – ZM334
- Texan T1 (camel) – ZM343, ZM324
- C-130 Hercules (Griffin) – ZH867, ZH870
- A400M Atlas (Griffin) – ZM409
- C-17 Globemaster III (Blackcat) – ZZ173
- Voyager (tartan) – ZZ343
- A400 Atlas (Blenheim?) – ZM407
- Poseidon MRA1 (Guernsey) – ZP806
- RC-135 Riveted Joint (Guernsey) – ZZ664
- 6x F-35B Lightnings (Sinking) – ZM143, ZM144, ZM146, ZM156, ZM161, ZM164
- 3x Typhoons (Cobra) – ZK376, ZJ947, ZK439
- 3x Typhoons (Warlord) – ZK437, ZK381, ZK309
- Envoy IV (Falcon 900) (Royal) – G-ZABH
Win VIP tickets to Frozen, luxury Afternoon Tea and a guided tour of Theater Royal Drury Lane in our Coronation Competition
In celebration of the historic occasion of To crown King Charles, Metro has teamed up with The Lane to offer one lucky reader a chance to win a luxury day out for four.
The day includes:
- A sumptuous Regency-style afternoon tea
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