TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around

TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - The Paris Air Show 2025 Takes Over Le Bourget Airport June 16-22

Le Bourget Airport, just outside Paris, is gearing up to host the 55th Paris Air Show from June 16th to 22nd, 2025. It’s still pegged as the biggest get-together for aerospace folks worldwide, and given its long history, it’s clearly a key event on the industry calendar. For those in the business, the show is open from the 16th to the 19th of June. If you're just curious about planes, you can visit from the 20th to the 22nd. An entry ticket will set you back 18 euros. From what’s advertised, expect to see everything from military jets to the big commercial airliners, plus all the newest tech developments in aviation. It's also worth noting that the Air and Space Museum on the same site will be open during the show hours, so potentially two attractions for the price of one if you’re keen on aircraft history. As summer 2025 approaches, this Paris event looks like it will remain a central point for anyone interested in the aviation world and planning a trip to Europe.
In mid-June 2025, the usual calm of Le Bourget Airport just outside Paris will be replaced by the roar of jet engines and the buzz of a global industry gathering. From the 16th to the 22nd of June, the Paris Air Show will once again occupy the Parc des Expositions. This isn't some fleeting novelty; this event has been a fixture on the aerospace calendar for over a century, a recurring checkpoint to gauge the direction of flight. For those with a professional interest, the first few days are reserved for industry insiders before opening to the general public for the latter part of the week. An entry of 18 euros grants access to what's advertised as the largest congregation of aerospace minds and machines on the planet. Expect the usual impressive displays of engineering prowess, both on the ground and in the air, across the sprawling Le Bourget site. And for those with an eye for history, the on-site Air and Space Museum will be open during show hours, providing a longer view on the trajectory of flight alongside the latest advancements on display.

What else is in this post?

1. TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - The Paris Air Show 2025 Takes Over Le Bourget Airport June 16-22
2. TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - RAF Fairford Hosts Royal International Air Tattoo July 18-20
3. TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - Malta International Airshow Lights Up Mediterranean Skies August 23-24
4. TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - ILA Berlin Air Show Transforms Brandenburg Airport May 20-25
5. TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - Frecce Tricolori 65th Anniversary Show Dazzles at Rivolto Air Base September 6-7
6. TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - Duxford Summer Air Show Brings Aviation History to Life June 21-22
7. TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - La Ferté-Alais Vintage Aircraft Meet Returns May 17-18

TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - RAF Fairford Hosts Royal International Air Tattoo July 18-20

Following the Paris Air Show in June, the UK’s turn for a major aviation event comes in July. RAF Fairford is set to host the Royal International Air Tattoo from the 18th to the 20th of July, 2025. This airshow bills itself as one of the largest military-focused events of its kind worldwide, which for those interested in seeing military hardware in action, is perhaps the main draw. Expect to see a collection of aircraft from various nations, both in the air and on the
Further into the summer, the roar of jet engines will again be heard over Gloucestershire as RAF Fairford prepares for the Royal International Air Tattoo, running from July 18th to 20th in 2025. While perhaps not drawing the same industry crowds as the Paris event, this UK show is often touted as one of the largest military airshows globally. It's interesting to consider the sheer scale of operations required to host such an event at an active air force base. Beyond just displaying the latest in military hardware, from fighter jets to transport aircraft, the event historically pulls in participants from numerous nations. For those curious about differing approaches to aerospace engineering across the globe, this could be a location to compare aircraft design philosophies firsthand. Don't expect groundbreaking civilian aviation announcements here; the focus is resolutely on military aviation. For an engineer or someone interested in the mechanics of flight and military strategy, this event likely provides a distinct perspective compared to the more commercially oriented airshows on the continent. Tickets are available for purchase, though whether the spectacle justifies the journey and cost remains a personal calculation.

TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - Malta International Airshow Lights Up Mediterranean Skies August 23-24

Further into August, the Mediterranean island of Malta becomes a stage for aerial maneuvers. On August 23rd and 24th, the Malta International Airshow is scheduled to take place against the backdrop of its historic harbors. This event, running annually since the early 90s, seems to have carved out a niche as a significant, if perhaps less globally prominent, aviation gathering. Positioned as it is, Malta historically acts as a crossroads in the Mediterranean, and this airshow reportedly draws participants from both European and North American air forces, alongside civilian displays. Expect the typical mix of aerial acrobatics and static aircraft exhibits. Interestingly, the organization relies heavily on volunteers, suggesting a community-driven aspect that may offer a different flavour compared to the larger, commercially oriented airshows further north. For those charting a late summer itinerary and with a particular interest in observing how different nations approach aerial display, or simply looking for a somewhat less mainstream airshow experience paired with a distinct island destination, Malta might warrant consideration. Reports suggest that past shows have included notable teams like the Flying Bulls, which adds a degree of pedigree to the lineup.

TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - ILA Berlin Air Show Transforms Brandenburg Airport May 20-25

The Berlin Brandenburg Airport is set to be quite animated this May, specifically from the 20th to the 25th, as it transforms into the venue for the ILA Berlin Air Show. This isn't just a local event; it's marked on the calendars of many in the global aerospace industry as a key gathering. Expectations are running high for this year's show, with projections suggesting visitor numbers might exceed previous events, possibly hitting over 200,000 attendees. This surge in interest reflects a broader trend of increased demand for air travel, suggesting a vibrant sector keen on pushing boundaries. A point of particular interest for those watching airline network development will be the potential for new route announcements. Rumours within the industry suggest that several airlines are poised to unveil fresh connections from Brandenburg Airport, with a focus on expanding into previously less-served markets in Asia and Africa. Beyond the aircraft on display and the business deals being struck, it’s also worth noting that Brandenburg Airport is currently undergoing upgrades to its air traffic management systems. These technological improvements are intended to streamline operations, potentially reducing those frustrating delays and enhancing overall safety. The airshow itself is also highlighting advancements in aviation technology, including a showcase of electric aircraft designs which are moving beyond concept into practical testing phases. From a purely logistical standpoint, managing an event of this scale alongside ongoing airport upgrades will be a complex undertaking, but it presents a concentrated look at both the present state and future directions of air travel in one location. And for those attending, reports suggest there will be a focus on showcasing local culinary offerings, alongside international food, which, while secondary to the aviation focus, could add a dimension to the visitor experience.

TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - Frecce Tricolori 65th Anniversary Show Dazzles at Rivolto Air Base September 6-7

Late summer will see Italy join the European airshow circuit with the Frecce Tricolori's 65th anniversary show at Rivolto Air Base, slated for September 6th and 7th in 2025. This event is being flagged as a standout in the 2025 airshow calendar. From what’s being circulated, the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic team, along with a range of other international military and civilian display teams, will be participating. Teams like France’s Patrouille de France and Switzerland’s Patrouille Suisse are name-checked in early announcements, suggesting a reasonably high caliber line-up. Organizers are promising both aerobatic stunts and displays of older aircraft, aiming to attract a broad spectrum of aviation fans. Given the Frecce Tricolori’s status as the national aerobatic team, this anniversary event will likely be a focal point for those specifically interested in Italian aviation prowess and could be worth considering for a late summer trip if aerial displays are of interest. The location at Rivolto Air Base implies a military setting, which may appeal to those preferring airshows with a more operational backdrop compared to civilian airport venues.

TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - Duxford Summer Air Show Brings Aviation History to Life June 21-22

For those looking to immerse themselves in aviation history, the Duxford Summer Air Show on June 21st and 22nd of 2025 might be of interest. Located at the Duxford Aviation Museum in Cambridgeshire, it aims to bring together a collection of aircraft that span the decades. Expect to see aerial displays that range from vintage planes to more modern jets, with aerobatic performances included in the program. It’s pitched as an event that could appeal to both serious aviation enthusiasts and families, suggesting a broader appeal than some of the more specialist airshows. Ground-based activities are also planned alongside the flying, offering something to occupy visitors between displays. Organized by a charitable society associated with the museum, it’s stated that any proceeds will go towards maintaining the aircraft collection on site. For those planning a summer in Europe and interested in seeing a slice of British aviation heritage in action, Duxford presents itself as an option.
Later in June, for those already in the UK after perhaps catching the Tattoo, consider heading towards Cambridgeshire for the Duxford Summer Air Show on the 21st and 22nd. Held at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, a site claiming to be Europe's largest aviation museum, this event has a distinct historical flavour. It’s not just an airfield hosting an airshow; it’s an aviation museum actively flying its collection. One might expect to see aircraft that are not merely for show, but rather represent milestones in aviation history – perhaps even vintage machines taking to the skies. This offers a chance to witness engineering from different eras in motion, beyond the usual static displays. The setting itself, within a museum environment with its array of historic hangars, some dating back over a century, adds a layer of atmosphere absent from events held at modern airport facilities. It's a setting that implicitly encourages reflection on the trajectory of flight technology, where the historical backdrop isn't just a backdrop, but integral to the experience. While details on specific aircraft appearing in 2025 are yet to fully emerge, Duxford’s reputation suggests a program with a strong emphasis on historical aircraft, potentially offering a more reflective experience compared to airshows focused

TOP 7 Airshows in Europe Worth Planning Your Summer 2025 Travel Around - La Ferté-Alais Vintage Aircraft Meet Returns May 17-18

Mid-May presents another opportunity to examine aviation history, this time at the La Ferté-Alais Vintage Aircraft Meet, set for the 17th and 18th of May in 2025. Located south of Paris at a former aerodrome, this event focuses specifically on aircraft from earlier eras, some reportedly dating back to the initial decades of powered flight. This isn't about the newest airliners or military hardware; the emphasis here is on the machines and engineering of the past. One can anticipate seeing examples of biplanes and early monoplanes, demonstrating the foundational principles of aeronautics. The program