The skies over southeastern Spain will come alive this weekend, June 14–15, as San Javier, Murcia, hosts AIRE 25, one of Europe’s largest air shows of the year. The festival celebrates the 40th anniversary of Spain’s elite aerobatic team, the Patrulla Águila, and promises a spectacular lineup of military and civil aviation performances.
A Weekend of Wings and Wonder
The celebration begins on Saturday, June 14, with an open day at the Spanish Air Force Academy. Visitors can enjoy a static display of more than 70 aircraft, including iconic models like the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Harrier AV-8B, and historic planes from the Fundación Infante de Orleans.
The highlight comes on Sunday, June 15, with aerial displays over the beaches of Santiago de la Ribera and the Mar Menor, offering an unforgettable backdrop of sea, sand, and sky.
Europe’s Top Teams Come to Spain
The air show features some of Europe’s best aerobatic teams, including:
- The Red Arrows (UK)
- Patrouille de France
- Frecce Tricolori (Italy)
- Patrouille Suisse
- Spain’s Patrulla Aspa and PAPEA
Spectators can also expect thrilling solo displays from high-performance jets like the F-18 Hornet and the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Patrulla Águila, the stars of the weekend, will perform one of their final routines with the legendary C-101 Aviojet, which will soon be retired and replaced by the modern Pilatus PC-21.
Royal Recognition and Rising Stars
King Felipe VI is expected to attend and preside over the festival, a symbolic nod to the national significance of the event.
In a cross-generational moment, MotoGP world champion Pedro Acosta was named honorary pilot of the Patrulla Águila. Acosta, a native of Murcia, even flew a C-101 in preparation, reaching speeds of up to 1,000 km/h. His participation brings star power and youthful energy to the celebration.
A Festival by Land, Sea, and Air
San Javier’s mayor, José Miguel Luengo, describes AIRE 25 as a celebration “by land, sea, and air.” The region is pulling out all the stops to host what is expected to draw over 500,000 attendees. The pristine beaches, the backdrop of the Mar Menor, and the historical significance of the nearby air academy all combine to create an extraordinary venue.
Looking to the Future
The Spanish Air Force Academy is undergoing a €4.2 million infrastructure upgrade, including new facilities for the incoming PC-21 aircraft. These updates aim to modernise the academy while preserving its rich legacy – an investment in the next generation of pilots, including Princess Leonor, who is training there. AIRE 25 is more than an air show; it is a celebration of Spain’s aviation heritage, a dazzling display of international cooperation, and a community-wide event with something for everyone—from military enthusiasts to families looking for a unique weekend experience
