Bucharest International Airshow 2024 Unveils Full Lineup and Timings
Bucharest, Romania – The 14th annual Bucharest International Airshow (BIAS) is set to take flight on August 30-31, 2024, at the historic Baneasa and Romaero Airport. This year’s edition holds special significance as it commemorates the 20th anniversary of Romania’s accession to NATO, promising a spectacular array of aerial displays and static exhibitions that celebrate both Romanian and NATO aviation.
Baneasa Airport, located just 8.5 kilometres north of Bucharest’s bustling city centre, is one of the oldest continuously operating airports in Europe, having opened its runways in 1920. Its rich history and modern facilities provide the ideal backdrop for this prestigious airshow. Adjacent to Baneasa, the Romaero facility, a cornerstone of Romania’s aerospace industry, will also host parts of the event, showcasing the nation’s deep-rooted aviation heritage.
Romanian Air Force F-16AM Fighting Falcon
Royal International Air Tattoo 2024
Celebrating Romanian and NATO Aviation
BIAS 2024 is a unique opportunity to witness the Romanian Air Force’s aircraft in action, a rare treat as these aircraft seldom perform outside the country. The Romanian Aeroclub will also be prominently featured, with parachutists, ultralight aircraft, aerobatic displays, gliders, and more taking to the skies.
The event is organized by the Bucharest National Airport Company under the patronage of the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Romanian Air Force, the Aeroclub of Romania, Romaero, Romatsa, and the Sports Club AIBO. These organizations have united their enthusiasm and creativity to celebrate those who dedicate their talents to aviation, both in the air and on the ground.
Anticipated Attendance and Logistics
Organizers are expecting over 150,000 attendees over the two-day event. Public entry to BIAS is free, but parking is not provided. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transport to reach the venue.
A Star-Studded Lineup Despite Cancellations
Despite significant cancellations, including the highly anticipated Bulgarian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-25K Frogfoot, Flying Legends P 51 Mustang Frances Dell from Germany and the Baltic Bees Jet Team from Latvia, the show promises nearly 12 hours of air displays each day. Military aircraft from six NATO countries will be featured, including:
• In the Air: US Army Blackhawk, German Air Force Typhoon, French Air Force Rafale, Slovenian Air Force and Air Defence PC-9M, and Hellenic Air Force T-6A Texan II.
• On the Ground: German Air Force CH-53G Sea Stallion, Croatian Air Force OH-58 Kiowa & UH-60M Black Hawk, US Army UH-60M Black Hawk, and Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130 Hercules.
The Romanian military will dominate the static displays with nearly all its aircraft, including the F-16, C-27J Spartan, IAR 330L, IAR 330L SOCAT, IAR 330 NAVAL, IAR 99 SHOIM, Iak-52, and An-26. The SMURD (Romanian Emergency Rescue Service) will also be present with their brand new S-70i Black Hawk and Eurocopter EC 135T2+.
Detailed Program
09:00
• The day kicks off with the formation of paragliders, followed by various aircraft from the Romanian Aeroclub taking to the skies.
10:00
• F16 Fighting Falcons from the Romanian Air Force will roar into action.
• Andreea Banesaru will perform solo aerobatics in the Extra 330 SC.
• The Mi-2 helicopter from Heliforce (Hungary) will demonstrate its capabilities.
• A stunning display by 4x Extra 300 aircraft from the Hawks of Romania.
11:00
• A pair of MiG-15 jets from Fundacja Eskadra (Poland) will dazzle the crowd.
• TAROM’s Boeing 737-800 will make an appearance.
• The historic Lisunov Li-2 from the Goldtimer Foundation (Hungary) will take flight.
12:00
• The French Air Force’s Rafale Solo Display will leave spectators in awe.
• Romanian Air Force’s IAR 99 Soim will demonstrate its agility.
• The Hellenic Air Force’s T-6A Texan II “Daedalus” Demo Team will perform.
• A powerful display by the German Air Force’s Typhoon Solo Display.
13:00
• Another thrilling performance by the F16 Fighting Falcons of the Romanian Air Force.
• The Slovenian Air Force’s Pilatus PC-9M Solo Display.
• Formation acrobatic display by 3x Yak 52 aircraft from Iacarii Acrobati Aerobatic Yakers.
• The IAR 316B helicopter from the Romanian Air Force will show its versatility.
14:00
• The Romanian Air Force’s Aerostar Iak-52 and IAR 316B will perform.
• Displays by the IAR 99 Soim/STD and C-27J Spartan from the Romanian Air Force.
• The IAR 330BC Puma helicopter will showcase its capabilities.
• Various training aircraft from the Romanian Aviation Academy.
• The U.S. Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk will make an appearance.
• Parachutists from Blue Wings will descend from the skies.
• Another performance by 4x Extra 300 aircraft from the Hawks of Romania.
• A repeat display by the Aerostar Iak-52 from the Romanian Air Force.
16:00
• The Mi-2 helicopter from Heliforce (Hungary) returns.
• The Slovenian Air Force’s Pilatus PC-9M Solo Display will captivate the audience.
• Jurgis Kairys from Lithuania will perform aerobatics in his Sukhoi Su-31.
• The historic Lisunov Li-2 from the Goldtimer Foundation (Hungary) takes flight again.
• A pair of MiG-15 jets from Fundacja Eskadra (Poland) will return.
• The Flying Bulls Aerobatic Team from Czechia will perform with 4x XA-42 aircraft.
• Another powerful display by the French Air Force’s Rafale Solo Display.
• The Romanian Air Force’s IAR 99 Soim will perform once more.
18:00 - Evening Performances
• The Hellenic Air Force’s T-6A Texan II “Daedalus” Demo Team returns.
• Another display by the German Air Force’s Typhoon Solo Display.
• 2x ICA IS-28 aircraft from White Wings will take to the skies.
• The Flying Dragons Team from Poland will perform with 8x Paramotors.
19:00 - Grand Finale
• The Romanian Air Force’s F16 Fighting Falcons will make their final appearance.
• The Hawks of Romania will perform with 4x Extra 300 aircraft.
• The Mi-2 helicopter from Heliforce (Hungary) returns for a final display with flares.
• The Air Bandits will perform with 3x Yak-52 and 1x Su-31 aircraft with ground pyrotechnics and wall of fire.
• A combined performance by the F16 Fighting Falcons and C-27J Spartan from the Romanian Air Force including a flare drop.
• The Flying Dragons Team from Poland will perform their night display with 8x Paramotors and plenty of pyro.
21:00 - Spectacular Fireworks Display
The day will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and providing a fitting end to a day of aerial excitement.
This year’s BIAS promises to be an unforgettable celebration of aviation, bringing together history, military might, and the thrill of flight. Don’t miss out on this spectacular event!
For more information about the airshow, visit the Bucharest International Airshow website by clicking here.
