Piešťany Air Festival 2025

The 2025 edition of Festival letectva Piešťany transformed the quiet spa town of Piešťany, Slovakia, into a vibrant hub of aviation, spectacle, and emotion from June 14 to 15. Held at the local airport, the event once again delivered a potent blend of high-octane flying displays, heritage aircraft, family-friendly activities, and a grand evening finale. But despite its many triumphs, the absence of one highly anticipated participant cast a small shadow over an otherwise unforgettable weekend.

Organized by the Trnava Self-Governing Region in cooperation with the Slovak Aviation Agency, the airshow was more than just an aviation event—it was a full-scale aviation festival. Crowds were treated to a mix of modern jets, historic planes, helicopters, drone shows, and concerts. With performances from music acts like Malina Jam and Paci Pac, as well as an aviation education zones, it was a celebration for all ages. From early morning through the golden hour, Piešťany Airport buzzed with aviation passion.

Military Flying Displays: Power, Precision, and One Disappointment

Among the most anticipated segments of the event was the military flying parade, showcasing assets from the Slovak Air Force. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters participated in it, and also performed a separate dynamic display, with crowd-pleasing low passes and hover maneuvers, demonstrating their flexibility and modern avionics. The fixed-wing transport aircraft C-27J Spartan added to the variety of the fly-by.

A notable part of the flying display included two VIP-configured government aircraft—an Airbus A319 and a Fokker 100 used by Slovak state institutions. They took part on the fly past, and performed also a dedicated flying display, with maneuvers that left many spectators without belief of what can be done with such relatively large airliners.

Unfortunately, the highlight on the event’s official schedule—the fly-by of the Slovak Air Force’s new F-16 Block 70 fighter jets—did not materialize. These state-of-the-art aircraft had been widely advertised in advance and were expected to mark a milestone in Slovak military aviation, a first public airshow appearance. Their absence was a major letdown for many aviation fans who had specifically come to see them in flight. The disappointment was noticeable, and the topic quickly spread across social media channels. Despite this no-show, the overall military presence remained a strong part of the festival and demonstrated Slovakia’s integration within NATO’s air operations.

To show its support, the Slovak Air Force also presented a Let L-410 transport aircraft in the static display as well as a Mi-17 Hip helicopter. Especially the Hip was a special treat, as only two of these airframes are said to be in active service in Slovakia. 

Civilian Aerobatics and Classic Jets: From Baltic Bees to Mustang Roars

The civilian flying program featured a dazzling array of classic and modern aerobatics, thrilling both aviation purists and families attending their first airshow.

A real crowd favorite was the return of Cold War-era jets. Multiple Aero L-29 Delfín trainers performed elegant, coordinated routines. They were reviving the sights and sounds of 1960s–80s jet training across the Eastern Bloc.

Meanwhile, the sleeker and more powerful L-39 Albatros was flown both as a solo and in formation as part of the Baltic Bees Jet Team. Hailing from Latvia, the Baltic Bees delivered one of the weekend’s most precise and stylish aerial displays, combining tight formation work with dramatic vertical climbs, rolls, and heart-stopping low passes.

Vintage aviation was also well represented. A beautifully restored P-51 Mustang “Excalibur” roared over the field, a beloved sound that always draws cheers. A Czech MiG-15UTI, another blast from the Cold War past, made a graceful flight that blended nostalgia with performance. And, not to forget, the Lisunov Li-2 from Hungary, and painted in the scheme of the Hungarian airline Malev, particularly impressed with its low fly-bys.

Civilian jets were also on show, including a rare Boeing 737-300 freighter operated by Constanta Airlines. While it remained on static display, it attracted strong interest from visitors curious to see the inside of a cargo-configured airliner.

Ukrainian Antonovs in Flight: Strength and Symbolism

Among the most memorable and emotionally resonant displays were those involving Antonov aircraft now based at Piešťany, having relocated from Ukraine due to the ongoing Russian invasion. These aircraft, once operating in Ukrainian airspace, have found refuge in Slovakia and are now a symbolic part of the region’s aviation story.

The flying program included a particularly energetic and impressive routine from the Antonov An-32P, a rugged twin-engine turboprop firebomber operated by Aircompany Constanta. The aircraft’s swift passes and tight turns demonstrated its capability, but also stood as a moving tribute to the resilience of Ukrainian aviation. With its red-tipped propeller blades and utilitarian stance, the An-32P captured attention both in the air and on the ground, and especially during a remarkable water drop when it demonstrated its capability to be deployed as a firefighting aircraft.

On static display were two Antonov An-12s from Cavok Air, large four-engine cargo workhorses with unmistakable profiles. Partially weathered paint and Ukrainian flags made their origin and journey clear to all. One more An-12 (UR-CNN) was parked in the static display as well, but this example has been withdrawn from active service earlier this year, and is now used for spare parts to keep the remaining two aircraft airworthy. Nearby, a Vulkan Air An-26 and a lovingly maintained Antonov An-2 biplane added variety to the display. The An-2, one of the oldest airworthy types still flying in Europe, was a big hit with children and older visitors alike and the An-26 even took it to the air for two fly-bys.

The presence of these Antonovs was more than technical — it was emotional. They served as a reminder of both the reach of war, especially as Slovakia shares a border with Ukraine, and the shared heritage of Eastern European aviation.

Ground Activities, Food & Family Fun

Beyond the runway, the festival grounds offered a full menu of activities. Families enjoyed a lively kids’ zone with face painting, craft stations, and interactive aviation-themed games.

The food court was varied and well-stocked, with classic fair treats, local Slovak specialties, and cool refreshments. Sponsors like Algida and Sedita hosted brand zones where children could enjoy free samples and fun photo ops. Visitors mingled in shaded seating areas, with views of both the flightline and live concerts taking place throughout the day.

Public services such as the Slovak Red Cross, customs officers, and the armed forces also maintained information booths, giving the festival a civic flavor beyond entertainment.

Dusk and Night Show: A Multisensory Finale

As the sun began to set, Piešťany Airport transformed into a theater of light and sound. Although I had to leave before the full night segment began, reports and social media reactions confirm that the evening display was a true highlight. The following three photos are kindly provided by Jana and Marek Pacek:

The spectacle combined choreographed drone formations, 275-watt laser projections from Dubai, and synchronized fireworks, creating a magical atmosphere. Acrobatic aircraft performed illuminated routines to music, closing the day with a crescendo of light, color, and aviation artistry.

This dusk-to-dark segment added an emotional and modern twist to the traditional airshow format—one that many said was worth staying for.

Final Thoughts: A Festival of Highs, and Lessons for the Future

Festival letectva Piešťany 2025 successfully balanced nostalgia, modernity, and regional pride. While the lack of the promised F-16 fly-by was a sore point, the event’s other elements—especially the rare Ukrainian Antonovs, vibrant aerobatics, and spectacular night show—left a strong impression.

With continued focus on delivering entertainment for the whole family and building on the success of its unique atmosphere, Piešťany can be seen well on its way to becoming another one of Central Europe’s aviation events that feature a seamless transition into a night show event. And one thing is clear: few small towns host such a big, moving, and multi-layered aviation experience.

Finally, from a photography perspective, the show is backlit throughout most of the day. But this provides a nice sunset backdrop for the evening show. Other vantage points unfortunately include the usual trouble of heat haze, which will spoil a large amount of the photos. Still, some nice shots could be had, especially during the late Saturday afternoon…

I’ll be back next time, with fingers strongly crossed for those Slovak AF F-16s!

Piestany Airshow 2025 Photo Gallery