Air Ambulance Week 2026 takes off across the UK from 7 – 13 September, raising awareness of the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities.
This national awareness week, organised by Air Ambulances UK, brings together air ambulance charities from across the UK to share one powerful message: “Every Mission Starts With You.”
Air ambulance crews across the UK are dispatched to over 137 lifesaving missions each day across the UK – and each of those missions is powered almost entirely by public support. Whether you choose to donate, fundraise, or simply spread the word, your support helps critical care teams reach people in their moment of need.
The charities rely on generous donations to continue delivering urgent, advanced medical care to people with sudden life-threatening injuries or illnesses. By supporting The Air Ambulance Service, you’re helping save lives and improve patient outcomes every single day.
Mike McGrath, CEO of Air Ambulances UK, said:
“Every mission starts with you – and that couldn’t be truer for the UK’s air ambulance charities. Behind every lifesaving mission is the support of people and organisations backing their local air ambulance, whether through donations, fundraising, volunteering, or helping to raise awareness – every action makes such an impact. Air Ambulance Week is an opportunity to recognise that vital support and the role it plays in helping crews deliver lifesaving care across the UK, because every mission really does start with you.”
The Air Ambulance Service delivers lifesaving care through two vital services.
The National Children’s Air Ambulance (NCAA)operates across England, Scotland and Wales, providing specialist transfers for critically ill babies and children.
Your Local Air Ambulance (YLAA) brings rapid emergency care to communities across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Your Local Air Ambulance and the specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots respond to around ten emergency missions every day — delivering advanced care at the scene and getting patients the best possible chance of survival.
Every mission costs £2,500. They receive no government or National Lottery funding for the daily missions. Each pound comes from people who believe lives are worth saving.
The National Children’s Air Ambulance is a UK-wide service working alongside 11 NHS paediatric retrieval teams dedicated to transferring critically ill babies and children between hospitals — bringing expert care closer, fast, when every moment matters.
Each mission costs around £5,700. They receive no government or National Lottery funding for these flights; every penny comes from people who believe children deserve the chance to survive.
To support the charity with further missions and their Big Bases Appeal and the build project, visit: https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/big-bases-appeal
