Tartan tarmac arrival for Tattoo

Tartan tarmac arrival for Tattoo

Brisbane is set to come alive with the thunder of drums and bagpipes, as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo marches into the River City next week, with Brisbane Airport playing a critical role in the operation to bring the global blockbuster to Australia.

The event will see more than 800 performers from 13 countries touching down along with 33 tonnes of instruments and equipment.

Performers will begin arriving this weekend from the UK, Norway, United States, Canada, Switzerland, Tonga, Japan, Sweden, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

With Brisbane the only Australian city to host the event, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is expected to draw thousands of tourists as it celebrates its 75^th anniversary milestone.

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said Brisbane Airport was key to enabling major events.

"We're proud to play our part in bringing The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to Brisbane, and it's fair to say we've never seen this much tartan on our tarmac.

"With Brisbane named after Scotsman Sir Thomas Brisbane, welcoming this iconic celebration of Scottish culture to our city feels especially fitting.

"Brisbane Airport's expanding international network and operational capabilities enable Queensland's growing reputation as a destination for world-class sporting and cultural events.

"Performances like The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo don't just happen. Brisbane Airport is the first and last impression for international performers, event organisers, spectators as well as the giant logistics task and it's our role to ensure everything runs smoothly during their arrival and departure."

Brisbane Airport Head of Terminal Operations Stacey Pollard said the event would boost passenger numbers to Brisbane across the week.

"Operation Tartan Tarmac officially begins tomorrow, as Brisbane Airport gears up for one of the most unique arrivals we've ever hosted.

"It's not just the performers coming, they'll be bringing bagpipes, drums, uniforms and kilts from all over the world.

"We'll also be welcoming thousands of ticket holders who will be flying into Brisbane to witness this once-in-a-lifetime performance.

"We're expecting busy flights from regional Queensland and right across Australia, with around 38,000 additional visitors coming through Brisbane Airport for the event."

Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Alan Lane said with one week to go, energy and excitement was building.

"Each day sees the arrival of more of the creative team and cast from around the world. Transforming over 1000 cast members into one seamless production in just a few days is the challenge of the Tattoo. A challenge that makes the Tattoo unique in global performance.

"Performing four consecutive nights at Suncorp Stadium is something no artist has done before. I can't wait for Australian audiences to see the show we've prepared for them."

Once the curtain falls on the historic four-night performance at Suncorp Stadium, four Boeing 737-800 charter flights will then carry the cast to Auckland for the New Zealand leg of the performance.

Tickets for 'The Heroes Who Made Us' 75th Anniversary Show are available via Ticketek for performances from 12-15 February 2026 at Suncorp Stadium.

For media interviews contact Brisbane Airport media on 0466 322 485.