Historic Spitfire thrills crowds in Cornwall during 90th anniversary tour

A historic RAF Spitfire has touched down in Cornwall as part of a nationwide tour marking 90 years since the aircraft’s first flight.

The iconic aircraft arrived at Cornwall Airport Newquay at 11:48 BST on Thursday, drawing aviation enthusiasts, personnel and special guests.

Among those present was BAFTA award-winning actor Warwick Davis, who described the moment as particularly special.

Reflecting on the visit, he said: “For me it was the sound of the engine that really evoked emotion, it really is iconic.”

The visit forms part of the Spitfire 90 Tour, commemorating the aircraft’s first flight in 1936 and raising funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Mark Long Trust, which support serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Actor Warwick Davis was at RAF St Mawgan for the historic touchdown

Squadron Leader Rob Farrant, acting station commander at RAF St Mawgan, said the arrival was “a truly special moment”.

“The arrival of the Spitfire in Cornwall as part of the Spitfire 90 Tour was a powerful reminder of the region’s deep-rooted aviation heritage,” he said.

“RAF St Mawgan has a long and proud association with military aviation, and we were delighted to see this iconic aircraft flying once again in the skies of the south west.”

The tour is being delivered by Spitfire.com with support from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Unpredictable weather meant the Cornwall visit took place on Thursday rather than Wednesday as originally planned, highlighting the challenges of operating historic aircraft.

Spitfire pilot Dave Stobie said it was “lovely” to see the reaction of those involved.

“It is just so lovely seeing the auction-winning passengers, and the people who come to see the Spitfire, looking so happy,” he said.

One of those passengers, Ian Wood, who flew from MOD St Athan to Cornwall, described the experience as “absolutely brilliant”.

“I enjoyed flying in formation the most and seeing the beautiful north Cornish coastline from the sky,” he said.

The aircraft’s visit has been widely welcomed, serving as a reminder of Cornwall’s longstanding connection to aviation history and the enduring legacy of the Spitfire.