Red Arrows low-level flight training moves after RAF Scampton closure

RAF Scampton has been home to the Red Arrows since 2000

The Red Arrows are set to carry out low-level winter flight training over new airspace following the closure of RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

The iconic red jets, which are now based at nearby RAF Waddington, will take to the skies over RAF Syerston in Nottinghamshire from 9 January.

A temporary airspace change has been granted until 17 April.

RAF Scampton, which was also home to 617 Squadron, the Dambusters squadron, was the Red Arrows base from 2000.

In a statement, RAF Waddington said the move was to enable the team "to practise low-flying training, owing to the closure of their previous operating base".

A spokesperson said: "The purpose of this period is to inform all stakeholders, including the general public, of the CAA's (Civil Aviation Authority) decision.

"This also provides an opportunity for feedback from stakeholders which will then be collated and analysed by RAF Waddington then sent on to the CAA to help determine the effects on the local areas."

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced in 2018 that RAF Scampton, near Lincoln, would be closed as part of cost-saving measures.

RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire and RAF Wittering in Cambridgeshire were both considered as a potential new location for the team, but RAF Waddington - just 10 miles from Scampton - was identified as the best possible location.

The MoD is also exploring alternative airspaces for training use in Lincolnshire.

History of the Red Arrows

• The RAF had several aerobatic display teams in the 1950s and 1960s, but decided to disband them and form a single, full-time professional team

• The name Red Arrows was chosen to combine the appeal and expertise of two earlier teams, the Black Arrows and the Red Pelicans

• The team was founded in 1965 at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire