Malta International Airshow 2025
Luqa / Qawra, 27-28 September 2025
For some late September sun with an air display thrown in, the Malta International Airshow is a pretty good option every 2 years. The Malta Aviation Society is the driving for behind the event and with the support of its sponsors, they have made it into one of the main events on the European airshow calendar.
The run-up to this year’s show was a little unsettled as it looked like the weather might be too, thus throwing a spanner in the carefully laid out plans. However, unlike two years ago, the event went ahead largely as planned, save for a break on Saturday as a thunderstorm passed through the area.
Just like 2 years ago, the static display consited of two parts at Luqa airport. Visitors could find the flying display participants on the ramp of Easyjet Engineering. They also opened up their hangars to visitors though no photography was allowed there. The second bit containing the static-only participants graced Safi Aviation park. An efficient shuttle service running from Montekristo estate linked the two entities. Getting to the shuttle and to the parking was quite a hazardous affair though, with visitors having to walk an all too narrow footpath next to a busy road. There were some definite highlights in the static park, but full marks must go to the German air force for their discovery path around and through their A400M, ending the tour with a visit to their beer bar and souvenir shop. Very clever!
The flying display was once again held over Saint-Paul’s Bay, with the national aquarium at Qawra serving as show centre. While the area with speakers seems to have expanded a little, this was still the best area in case you wanted to hear the commentary, as most people gathered down on the rocky beach in the direction of Bugibba will have missed it. The team consisted of Kath Fisher over from Wales, local radio host Colin Fitz and on Sunday, and Loreto Spiteri, formerly of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), joining the team no narrate the three aircraft the AFM showed off in the air. Perhaps in 2027, the Count from Sesame Street can also join to make sure the commentary team gets the number of marker flares right during search and rescue demonstrations.
The Italian coast guard put on perhaps the rarest of the displays with their ATR42 and PH-139 combo. The Italian air force also demonstrated their HH139 search and rescue display. Not to be outdone, the Germans turned out in force with two Typhoon displays and their new Tornado IDS solo display. Returning the Malta for the third consecutive time was SoloTurk of the Turkish air force, as were the Royal Air Force aerobatic team the Red Arrows. The French navy also joined the flying display with a rare appearance of their Falcon 10MER.
Weather on Saturday was a bit unsettled but only 2 displays ended up getting cancelled, perhaps the first time a Malta flying display resumed after running into some rough weather. Sunday was glorious with wall-to-wall sunshine from start to finish and it drew massive crowds to the event.
It is clear the Malta Aviation Society have found their stride, with their current rhythm of running the show every two years. This gives the team time to secure proper financial backing and secure some interesting displays. Let’s hope the next show in 2027 will be equally successful!
