SIAF 2024 Cancelled: Ministry of Defense Withdraws Support Amid Scheduling Conflicts
The Slovak International Air Fest (SIAF), the largest airshow in Slovakia, scheduled for August 31st and September 1st, 2024, has been officially cancelled. This announcement came from the Slovak Ministry of Defense, which will not serve as a program partner for this year’s event.
The Slovak Aviation Agency, the main organizer of SIAF, received the news through the Commander of the Slovak Armed Forces Air Force on May 28, 2024. The Air Force subsequently notified all confirmed participants of the event’s cancellation.
Slovak Government Flying Service Fokker 100 and A319
Slovak International Air Fest 2023
In an effort to understand the rationale behind this decision, the Slovak Aviation Agency has requested an official statement from the Ministry of Defense. “After its delivery, we will inform you in detail,” the agency stated.
The head of the Ministry of Defense explained that the decision to cancel SIAF was made as early as January. The primary reason cited is the scheduling conflict with the 80th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising, which falls on Thursday, August 29, 2024. The Ministry has planned extensive celebrations to commemorate this historic event, which will extend throughout the weekend.
“Friday, Saturday, and Sunday flying days would make no sense,” the Minister of Defense stated. “We want to dedicate all the technology, demonstrations, and associated costs to Banska Bystrica. Organizing both events in such close succession would be impractical from both a logistical and financial standpoint.”
The future of SIAF remains uncertain as the Ministry of Defense reassesses the event’s format and location. The Minister noted a decline in interest over the past two years, which were held at Kuchyna Airport instead of the traditional Sliac Airport, currently under renovation. “Kuchyna Airport’s geographical location is not ideal for such an event,” the Minister explained. “We are exploring the possibility of combining ground and air force presentations in a single venue to optimize costs and logistics.”
SIAF Director Hubert Stoksa expressed surprise at the cancellation, stating that he was unaware of the decision. “There is a six-year contract valid until 2026 and a framework contract for 2024. Based on this, we have been fulfilling our international obligations and have already invited pilots from 25 countries. The event was set to feature modern F-35 fighters alongside F-16s,” Stoksa told RTVS over the weekend.
The Slovak Aviation Agency officially confirmed the cancellation of the Slovak International Air Fest (SIAF) this afternoon. This decision was communicated to them by the office of the Minister of Defense through the Commander of the Air Force. The agency is currently waiting for an official explanation and viewpoint from the Ministry of Defense.
The sudden cancellation has left the aviation community and international participants eagerly anticipating more details. Concerns about the sustainability of Slovakia's top aviation event have been raised, leading stakeholders to keenly observe any updates from the Ministry of Defense on the reassessment and potential future developments related to SIAF.
