Residents and tourists on the French Riviera were surprised yesterday evening by an unexpected and spectacular ‘flypast’ from the UK’s famous Red Arrows, just hours after they had performed in London for the King and Queen (and country). Many French locals – who happened to be out taking photos of the beautiful pink-tinged sunset – took to social media after the planes dramatically flew past, asking “what were those fighter jets?”
WATCH Red Arrows ‘flypast’ on French Riviera, 5 May 2025
Earlier in the day, the Red Arrows had taken part in VE Day 80 events in the UK, flying over Buckingham Palace, to help honour veterans and commemorate 80 years since Victory in Europe and the end of the Second World War.
The Red Arrows, led by a Lancaster Bomber, made British headlines and were featured on national TV as the royal family – including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine and their children – watched from the palace balcony.
Before nightfall, the same 10 planes delighted people in the South of France as they flew over, heading to Nice. According to witnesses the planes released their signature coloured smoke trails just before landing.
What were the Red Arrows doing in the South of France?
The Red Arrows posted photos on social media, admiring the “beautiful views of the French Riviera” and revealed they had arrived in Nice last night for a refuel.
“The team is transiting to Greece to resume pre-season training following the big VE Day 80 flypast over London,” the Red Arrows said.
The Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force’s Aerobatic Team, says that with its precision, it “showcases the excellence of the RAF and represents the UK at home and overseas.”
When is the next Red Arrows flypast?
The next official flypast will be in Crete, Greece, later this month (24 May). The planes then return to the UK for the Midlands Air Festival, the English Riviera Airshow and more.
