The Goodyear Blimp, a globally recognized airship, has returned to London skies for the first time since 2022. On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, it lifted off from an airfield in Upminster and completed a loop of East, South East, and Central London. According to Flightradar24 data, it is now flying a second circuit, with sightings reported in Woolwich, Canary Wharf, and over Big Ben and the London Eye.
Tour Schedule and Public Sightings
Earlier flights took place on July 1 and the following weekend, with MyLondon readers submitting numerous photographs. Goodyear confirmed the blimp will tour the UK until July 14. Ben Crawley, sales general manager consumer replacement Northern Europe, stated: "The Goodyear Blimp is a recognisable icon worldwide and we’re thrilled to see it return to the UK this summer."
History and Specifications
Owned by the tire company Goodyear, the blimp is a regular feature at motorsport events, football finals, and Coachella. It first appeared in British skies in June 1972 over Cardington, Bedfordshire. Subsequent appearances include the royal wedding of Charles and Diana, the 1980 FA Cup Final, and the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium. The same model is used in the US fleet, which began in 1925, making it the world's oldest working airship program.
The blimp measures over 75 meters in length and almost 18 meters in height, with a maximum speed of 125 km/h. It features a semi-rigid skeleton of aluminium and carbon fibre trusses holding three vectored engines, allowing precise manoeuvrability, hovering, and vertical take-off and landing.
