Two helicopters, a Chinook and a Sea King Commando, have already had to pull out because they are needed in Beirut and Afghanistan.
Mr Higgins explained that air shows had slipped down the priority list as the armed forces of many nations became more and more stretched as conflicts escalated.
However, with the Red Arrows and other top acts booked, he said it would be a great day as usual.
Usually, the RAF send around 80 personnel to help out with security and other duties on the day, but they were unable to come.
Mr Higgins had to turn to old contacts and friends in the military and finally a call was sent out to RAF bases and university officer training corps offices for volunteers and enough people were found.
