Somme International Airshow
28-29 August 2026
Somme International Airshow -
28-29 August 2026
Somme International Airshow 2026: a tribute to the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme
Every year during the final weekend of August, northern France’s Amiens – Henry Potez International Airport becomes a centre for aviation enthusiasts. This year, the Somme International Airshow 2026 treated us to a spectacular mix of modern fighter jets, classic vintage warbirds, the mighty Airbus Beluga XL, drones and a firework show.
Sunset Flying: A 'Sky-of-Gold' Tribute
The sunset airshow on Friday evening was the absolute main attraction of the event. As night fell over the airfield, three major historic milestones took centre stage:
- 50 Years of the Royal Jordanian Falcons: Marking their golden anniversary, the legendary team delivered ultra-precise aerobatics in the French sky.
- 110th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme: In a deeply moving homage, a fleet of 400 illuminated LED drones painted the dark sky. They morphed into massive, glowing symbols of remembrance directly over the historic battlefields.
- 400 Years of the French Navy: Celebrating four centuries of naval history, the French Naval Aviation was highlighted by the raw power of the Rafale M carrier jet and the Falcon 10M.
The Homecoming of P-51D Mustang "Marinell"
The appearance of the North American P-51D Mustang "Marinell" (Serial No. 44-13521) carried an emotional weight, owing to its deep historical ties to the very region hosting the airshow. Marinell was downed over Northern France during World War II in August 1944, making this a true homecoming to Picardy skies. Piloted beautifully by her owner, Isabel Rutland, the legendary fighter delivered a breathtaking display in the evening sun. Aviation reenactors of the French 'Pilotes des Guerre' completed the scenery on the ground.
The Grand Pyrotechnic Finale
The grand finale brought together a trio of aerobatic display teams in the twilight sky:
- Team Raven: One of the largest non-military formation teams in the world pleased the crowd with their flawless six-ship formation of RV-8s.
- The Global Stars: Delivered high-energy, aerobatic formations with thrilling pyrotechnics. It was the Global Stars who were responsible for the “moon shot”.
- AeroSPARX: The undisputed masters of night aviation illumination stole the show, firing brilliant wingtip pyrotechnics and showering the Picardy skies in brilliant gold and white sparks.
Combined with an LED drone homage to 110 years of the Battle of the Somme and a massive ground fireworks display, it created a truly unforgettable finale.
Saturday: Braving the Elements
Although a full flight program was not possible due to the bad weather conditions, the heavy metal pushed through. High-power displays like the A400M tactical display, the Rafale M, the Mustang X-Ray (PC-21), and the NH90 and Tigre helicopters had no trouble handling the elements. The Patrouille de France adapted seamlessly and performed their low-altitude "flat display" due to the low cloud base.
On the other side of the flightline, the light aircraft—such as the S.E.5a, the Fokker Dr.1, and the Piper Cubs of La Patrouille des Oursons de Cambrai—faced a tough challenge battling the strong crosswinds.
The spirit of the Somme International Airshow 2026
Although Saturday was far from optimal in terms of weather, the Somme International Airshow organized by the Bleu Ciel Organisation has proven once again its undeniable ability to stage a world-class aviation event. When balanced with Friday’s truly breathtaking, gold-tinted sunset airshow and its emotionally charged tribute, the weekend is an unmissable date on the European airshow calendar. For anyone who loves the smell of jet fuel and the roar of vintage Merlin engines and wants to experience a sunset airshow, this event remains highly recommended and worth every single kilometer travelled.
Thank you Pascal Cordier, thank you Bleu Ciel Organisation, we're looking forward to the 2027 edition!
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