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Historic Spitfire to fly over Liverpool as part of nationwide anniversary tour

Historic Spitfire to fly over Liverpool as part of nationwide anniversary tour

April 12, 2026
Last Updated April 12, 2026
By Editor

Liverpool’s skyline is set to welcome a rare sight this week, as a historic Spitfire is expected to pass over the city as part of a special UK-wide commemorative flight.

The iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies on Monday (13 April), travelling along the north west coastline before heading across the Mersey giving locals a unique chance to see a piece of aviation history in motion.

A rare moment in the skies above the city

The flyover forms part of a national tour marking 90 years since the first ever flight of the Supermarine Spitfire, one of Britain’s most recognisable wartime aircraft.

During this leg of the journey, the aircraft is expected to travel south from Scotland, passing the Southport area before continuing along the coastline and across Liverpool.

While exact timings can vary depending on weather and flight conditions, the aircraft is likely to be visible across parts of the region, offering a short but memorable flypast for those lucky enough to catch it.

The upcoming itinerary of the Spifirfe90 tour includes:

9 April (10:00) – RAF Leuchars to RAF Lossiemouth, accompanied by an RAF P-3 Poseidon (flight time 55 mins)
10 April (10:00) RAF Lossiemouth to Prestwick Airport (PIK) supported by two RAF Typhoons (flight time 1h05)
13 April (10:00) Prestwick Airport to RAF Valley supported by two RAF Hawk T2s (flight time 1h10)
14 April (10:00) RAF Valley to MOD St Athan, supported by an RAF Texan, followed by a Jupiter HT1 helicopter (flight time 1h00)
15 April (10:00) MOD St Athan to RAF St Mawgan, accompanied by two QinetiQ Pilatus PC21s (flight time 1h05).
16 April (10:00) RAF St Mawgan to Exeter Airport (EXE) supported by RAF A400M Atlas (flight time 55 minutes)
17 April (10:00) Exeter Airport to Southampton Airport, joined by BBMF Dakota (flight time 40 minutes)

Note: All timings/dates remain subject to change due to unforeseen events, aircraft technical requirements and adverse weather events.

Where you might spot it

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse, waterfront locations are expected to offer some of the best views. Areas along the River Mersey, including the Pier Head and Otterspool Promenade, could provide prime vantage points as the aircraft crosses the estuary.

Coastal spots further north, such as Crosby or Formby, may also offer a chance to see the aircraft as it approaches the city.

As with any flypast, nothing is guaranteed flight paths can change at short notice but wherever you are, keep an eye on the skies.

A celebration of aviation history

The aircraft taking part in the tour is a restored wartime Spitfire, originally built during the Second World War and now one of only a limited number still airworthy today.

The UK-wide journey includes a series of flights between key locations linked to the Spitfire’s history, celebrating nine decades since its first flight back in 1936.

More than just a flypast, the tour also aims to raise money for aviation charities, supporting both veterans and opportunities for future pilots.

Don’t miss it

Moments like this don’t come around often. With only a small number of Spitfires still flying today, the chance to see one pass over Liverpool is something special whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just happen to be in the right place at the right time.

If the weather holds, it’s well worth stepping outside and looking up.