Major Airshows in 2025: San Javier Celebrates Patrulla Águila’s 40th, Rivolto Honors Frecce Tricolori’s 65th!
Aviation enthusiasts and spectators alike are set for an exceptional year in 2025, as two significant airshows are scheduled to take place in Europe, each commemorating monumental anniversaries of their respective national aerobatic teams.
San Javier, Spain, will host the Patrulla Águila’s 40th Anniversary Airshow on June 14-15. Meanwhile, Rivolto Air Base, Italy, will celebrate the Frecce Tricolori’s 65th Anniversary with an airshow on September 6-7. These events will feature top military and civilian aerobatic teams from around the world, along with historic aircraft, making them key highlights of the 2025 European Airshow calendar.
Frecce Tricolori
Frecce Tricolori 65th Anniversary Airshow at Rivolto Air Base 2021
Patrulla Águila’s 40th Anniversary Airshow in San Javier
Scheduled for June 14-15, 2025, the Patrulla Águila 40th Anniversary Airshow in San Javier stands as Spain’s most anticipated aviation event of the year. This celebration marks four decades of Patrulla Águila’s contributions to military aerobatics, highlighting their role as Spain’s national aerobatic team since their formation in 1985 under the Academia General del Aire (AGA). The event is organized collaboratively by the AGA and the City of San Javier, highlighting the city's strong ties to Spain's aviation heritage.
In a keynote address at FITUR 2025, the Madrid International Tourism Fair, Mayor José Miguel Luengo emphasized the airshow’s significance, describing it as “the most important in Europe” and assuring that it would feature “the best aerobatic teams in the world.” This statement has set high expectations for an event that promises to deliver unparalleled aerial performances and attract aviation aficionados from across the globe.
Not much information is available about the lineup, except that Patrulla Águila and Patrouille Suisse have both confirmed their participation in the show. Additionally, Spain’s helicopter display team, Patrulla Aspa, and the French OV-10 Bronco from the European Fighter Aviation Museum in Montélimaris are all slated to perform. Promotional materials suggest appearances by prestigious international teams such as the Frecce Tricolori from Italy and Patrouille de France from France, alongside various other aircraft both from Spain and abroad, indicating a diverse and robust program. The inclusion of both military and civilian aircraft is expected, providing a comprehensive showcase of aviation technology and history.
The aerial displays are planned to take place over the picturesque beaches of Santiago de la Ribera, adjacent to San Javier Air Base, offering a stunning visual setting for the performances. Organizers anticipate an audience exceeding 500,000 attendees, underscoring the event’s significant draw and its status as the largest airshow in Spain for the year.
This is the third edition of the AIRE airshow series. The first took place in San Javier in 2006, which is still Spain's largest airshow. The second was in Torrejón near Madrid in 2014, marking the Spanish Air Force’s 75th anniversary. Previous airshows in San Javier have celebrated important events like the 30th anniversary of Patrulla Águila in 2015 and the 75th anniversary of the Spanish Air Force Flying Academy (Academia General del Aire) in 2018. The 2025 airshow will continue this tradition by combining military skill with civilian excitement. San Javier also hosts the Festival Aéreo San Javier (FASJ), a civilian airshow that began in 2024. A second edition was planned for May 2-4, 2025, but the larger AIRE 25 event happening six weeks later may force organizers to postpone the event.
Frecce Tricolori’s 65th Anniversary Airshow at Rivolto Air Base
Following the summer celebrations in San Javier, Rivolto Air Base in Italy will host the Frecce Tricolori’s 65th Anniversary Airshow on September 6-7, 2025. This event honours over six decades of the Frecce Tricolori’s illustrious history in aerobatic performance, cementing their position as one of the world’s premier aerobatic teams. The airshow aims to highlight the Frecce Tricolori’s enduring legacy and their contributions to military aviation excellence.
The Frecce Tricolori, along with their Swiss counterparts, Patrouille Suisse, have already confirmed their participation, ensuring a high-caliber display of aerial artistry. Although detailed information about the full roster of participants is still forthcoming, historical trends suggest a substantial lineup that will include multiple international aerobatic teams, solo displays, and a diverse array of aircraft from the Italian Air Force. The inclusion of civilian and historic planes is also anticipated, providing a comprehensive view of aviation’s evolution and technological advancements.
Reflecting on the previous 60th Anniversary Airshow in 2021, which was postponed from 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event successfully showcased a multitude of international teams, including Poland’s Orlik Team, Finland’s Midnight Hawks, Spain’s Patrulla Águila, and Switzerland’s Patrouille Suisse. Although some teams such as the United Kingdom’s Red Arrows, Belgium’s Red Devils, and Croatia’s Krila Oluje were initially slated to participate but later cancelled, the airshow maintained its high standards. Additionally, the French Patrouille de France was unable to attend due to prior commitments at another airshow, highlighting the complexities involved in coordinating international events.
Building on this legacy, the 65th Anniversary Airshow at Rivolto is expected to feature an equally impressive roster. Audiences can anticipate precision aerobatics, thrilling solo performances, and a diverse collection of aircraft that emphasize both the heritage and innovative spirit of the Italian Air Force. The presence of international teams alongside Italian performers will enhance the global appeal of the event, fostering international camaraderie and collaboration within the aerobatic community.
The picturesque setting of Rivolto Air Base will provide an ideal venue for the aerial displays, ensuring that spectators enjoy both the performances and the scenic beauty of the Italian landscape. The airshow will not only celebrate the Frecce Tricolori’s storied history but also serve as a platform for showcasing advancements in aviation technology and aerobatic techniques.
The 2025 airshows in San Javier and Rivolto represent significant milestones in the realm of aerobatic aviation, celebrating decades of excellence and fostering international cooperation. These events not only honour the remarkable achievements of Patrulla Águila and Frecce Tricolori but also serve as platforms for showcasing the pinnacle of military and civilian aviation. Whether you are a dedicated aviation aficionado or a casual admirer of flight, these airshows promise unforgettable displays of skill, heritage, and the enduring thrill of aviation. Mark your calendars and prepare to witness some of Europe’s finest aerial performances, as San Javier and Rivolto set the stage for a landmark year in airshow history.
