Red Arrows Set to Return to Malta in 2025
Organisers of the Malta International Airshow have announced that the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows will make their much-anticipated return to the island in 2025. Scheduled for September 27-28, the world-famous aerobatic team will headline a weekend packed with high-flying action, bringing their signature precision and flair back to Maltese skies after their last appearance in 2023.
The news, confirmed with an enthusiastic shout-out from the Malta Aviation Society, has aviation fans buzzing. The Red Arrows, renowned for their jaw-dropping formations and vibrant red, white, and blue smoke trails, are set to perform over the scenic St. Paul’s Bay coastline, promising a spectacle that’s as thrilling as it is beautiful. With an estimated over 50,000 spectators expected to turn out, the 2025 edition is already shaping up to be a standout event.
Red Arrows / Malta International Airshow 2023
The Malta International Airshow has been a fixture on the island since 1993, growing from a modest gathering into one of Europe’s most exciting aviation showcases. Organised by the Malta Aviation Society—a passionate crew of volunteers—this biennial event transforms the island into a hub for plane-spotters and families alike. Held along the stunning St. Paul’s Bay waterfront, with the Malta National Aquarium as a prime viewing spot, the airshow offers free flying displays that draw massive crowds. For those who want a closer look, a paid static display at Malta International Airport on both days lets you walk among the aircraft and chat with the crews.
This isn’t just a local affair. The airshow’s reputation has spread far beyond Malta’s shores, pulling in international talent and military contingents eager to show off their hardware. The 2025 lineup already boasts some heavy hitters, and with more participants to be announced, it’s clear this won’t be a quiet weekend.
If you’ve never seen the Red Arrows in action, you’re in for a treat. Officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, they’ve been wowing crowds since 1965 with their tight formations and daring manoeuvres. Flying nine Hawk T1 jets, the team is a masterclass in teamwork—pilots often come within feet of each other at speeds topping 400 miles per hour. It’s the kind of performance that leaves you holding your breath, then cheering like mad when they pull it off.
Their history in Malta goes back decades, with 2025 marking their tenth visit to the island. Each time they’ve shown up, they’ve left a mark. Back in 2023, they had the St. Paul’s Bay crowd roaring with a world-class colourful display. For 2025, they’re hinting at fresh tricks up their sleeves, and if past visits are anything to go by, it’ll be a highlight worth waiting for.
The Red Arrows have a special bond with Malta. Since their first appearance here in the 1990s, they’ve become a fan favourite, their red jets streaking over the Mediterranean a sight that’s practically etched into the island’s memory. St. Paul’s Bay, with its wide-open views and shimmering waters, is the perfect stage. The Malta National Aquarium, perched right on the coast, offers a front-row seat as the jets bank and roll overhead, the sound of their engines bouncing off the cliffs.
Their 2023 visit was no exception. Fresh off a packed season, the team delivered a performance that had locals and tourists alike craning their necks skyward. From the tight formation to the heart-pounding “Opposition Pass,” it was a reminder of why they’re one of the world’s top aerobatic teams. With two years to plan their next show, expectations are sky-high for 2025.
The Red Arrows might be the headliners, but they’re not flying solo. The 2025 airshow is stacking up an impressive roster of international participants, and aviation buffs will have plenty to geek out over.
The German Air Force and Navy are bringing a serious contingent. A Panavia Tornado IDS from Tactical Air Force Wing 33 will take to the skies for a solo display, with two Tornados also parked for static viewing. Then there’s the Eurofighter Typhoon—Germany’s sending not one, but two solo displays from Tactical Air Force Wings 74 and 31. That’s a European first for a single airshow, with two German Eurofighter teams on site. Whether both teams fly each day or just one team flies one day, the other team fly another day is still up in the air, but either way, it’s a rare chance to see these sleek fighters strut their stuff. Rounding out the German lineup, an Airbus A400M Atlas and a Lockheed P-3C Orion from the Navy will be on the ground, showing off their massive wingspans and high-tech guts.
Italy’s joining the party too, with the Italian Air Force planning to bring a Leonardo HH-139B helicopter from the 15° Stormo. It’s not locked in by the organisers yet—just an announcement from the Italians so far—but if it happens, expect some nimble rotor action to mix things up.
And here’s a big one: the Spanish Navy is sending a McDonnell Douglas EAV-8B Harrier II for its Malta debut. This VTOL legend, capable of hovering like a helicopter and roaring off like a jet, hasn’t been seen here in 15 years. With two Harriers on hand—one flying, both on static display—it’s a coup for the airshow and a nod to Malta’s growing pull on the aviation scene.
Picture this: you’re standing along St. Paul’s Bay, the sea sparkling below, as the Red Arrows carve through the sky, trails of colored smoke swirling behind them. The flying displays, free for all to enjoy, turn the coastline into a natural amphitheatre. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s impossible to look away.
Over at Malta International Airport, the static display offers a different vibe. For a small fee, you can wander among the planes—touch the metal, snap photos, maybe even ask a pilot what it’s like to fly a Typhoon. It’s a hands-on experience that brings the machines to life, especially for anyone who’s ever dreamed of climbing into a cockpit.
The Malta International Airshow isn’t just about planes—it’s about the stories they tell. The Red Arrows weaving through the sky connect you to decades of aviation history. The German Typhoons roaring overhead showcase cutting-edge tech. The Spanish Harrier hovering midair is a throwback to a design that’s defied the odds. Add in Malta’s charm—the warm September weather, the laid-back island vibe—and you’ve got a weekend that’s equal parts thrilling and unforgettable.
Visit our preview page for the latest performers list, weather updates, and more by clicking here, or go to the official Malta International Airshow 2025 website by clicking here.
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