Baltic International Airshow 2025 Cancelled Days Before Takeoff Over Security Fears

It’s a somber late afternoon in Riga this 2nd of July, as the aviation world reels from unexpected news. The Baltic International Airshow 2025, slated to ignite the skies above the Latvian capital on July 5th and 6th, has been called off at the eleventh hour. What promised to be a weekend of roaring engines, breathtaking aerobatics, and a celebration of flight’s past and present has been silenced, leaving enthusiasts, performers, and locals grappling with disappointment.

The cancellation, announced today by the event’s organisers, stems from unresolved security concerns that have grounded one of the region’s most cherished spectacles. With just days to go, the Baltic International Airshow 2025 was poised to draw crowds from across the Baltics and beyond, eager to witness a lineup of aerial marvels. Instead, the focus has shifted from the thrill of aviation to the sobering priority of safety.

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SoloTurk / Royal International Air Tattoo 2024

The decision was not made lightly. In their official statement, the Baltic International Airshow team expressed profound regret, saying, “The safety of visitors and participants is our event’s priority! It is with deep regret that we announce that the largest air show in the Baltics—Baltic International Airshow 2025, scheduled for this weekend—will not take place due to security reasons.” The statement detailed how the State Security Service, State Police, and State Fire and Rescue Service declined to approve the event’s security plan, classifying it as a “particularly dangerous event.” Without that approval, the necessary public event permit could not be issued. Despite exhaustive efforts to revise and adapt the plan, the organisers found themselves at an impasse, forced to pull the plug.

For months, the team poured time, energy, and resources into crafting an airshow that would elevate the Baltic aviation scene to new heights. The event has long been a cornerstone of the region’s summer calendar, growing steadily since its early days into a showcase of international talent and engineering prowess. This year’s edition was billed as the most ambitious yet, with a roster of performers and aircraft that had fans buzzing with anticipation. The Turkish Air Force F-16 Solo Display Team, known as SloTurk, was set to headline with their electrifying manoeuvres, a testament to precision and power that’s earned them global acclaim. Joining them were Romania’s Air Force F-16s, primed for dynamic flypasts that would have showcased the agility of these modern fighters. The German Air Force had planned to bring their A400M, a hulking transport plane whose versatility is as impressive as its sheer size.

The Swedish Air Force was another highlight, ready to unleash a solo display with the Saab Gripen, a multirole fighter that blends cutting-edge technology with jaw-dropping agility. Then there was Jurgis Kairys, a name synonymous with aerobatic brilliance. The Lithuanian legend, a multiple-time world champion, was slated to take to the skies in his Sukhoi Su-31, promising a performance packed with daring twists and innovative flair. For those with a love of history, the airshow had a nostalgic treat in store—vintage icons like the Douglas DC-3, a workhorse of aviation’s golden age, and the North American P-51 Mustang, a sleek World War II fighter whose legacy still soars. These lovingly restored machines were to bridge the gap between past and present, a flying tribute to the evolution of flight.

Jurgis Kairys Su-31 / Festival letectva Piestany 2022

The ripple effects of this cancellation are felt far and wide. Pilots and crews who spent months fine-tuning their routines now face the frustration of a missed showcase. Spectators, some of whom booked travel and accommodations from distant corners, are left with scrapped plans and a void where excitement once stood. Local vendors and caterers, banking on a surge of visitors, must now absorb the financial hit. The airshow wasn’t just an event—it was an economic boost, a communal gathering, and a source of pride for the Baltic aviation community. Its absence this weekend casts a long shadow.

Yet, there’s a silver lining amid the turbulence. The organizers have wasted no time in charting a new course, rescheduling the Baltic International Airshow for June 27th and 28th, 2026. Tickets purchased for this year’s event will carry over seamlessly, valid for a single entry on either day of the rescheduled show—no reissuing required. For those unable to attend next year, refunds are an option, with details forthcoming via the email tied to each ticket purchase. It’s a pragmatic response to a tough situation, reflecting both resilience and a commitment to making things right for attendees.

Swedish Air Force Gripen / Royal International Air Tattoo 2024

The grounding of this year’s airshow underscores a hard truth: in the world of large-scale events, safety trumps all. The organizers’ statement laid bare their resolve, noting, “Despite our efforts, the safety of all participants, visitors, caterers, vendors, volunteers, etc. involved in the event remains our top priority, and we have no choice but to postpone.” It’s a stance that’s tough to argue with, even as the sting of cancellation lingers. Looking ahead, the Baltic International Airshow team is already rallying, determined to channel this setback into a triumphant return. When those skies over Riga finally light up in 2026, the roar of engines will carry an extra note of defiance—and a promise kept to the fans who’ve waited patiently for takeoff.