The biennium Malta International Airshow, organised by the Malta Aviation Society, made a return to the island’s skies this year, with a setup closely resembling previous editions but with an even more impressive lineup of participants that drew significant public interest. The event was held across three main locations.
Safi Aviation Parks and easyJet Engineering apron were open to the public on Saturday, 27th and Sunday, 28th September, offering aviation enthusiasts and the public an opportunity to explore and admire an exceptional selection of aircraft up close. At Safi, all participating aircraft were on static display. A new layout of exhibition stands was introduced this year, featuring representatives from various local aviation companies who engaged with visitors about their work within the industry. Once again, the flying displays took place along the Qawra promenade, drawing large crowds to the seafront. One of the event’s main sponsors, easyJet Engineering which took over the former SR Technics Malta facilities last year provided the apron in front of its hangars as the primary parking area for aircraft taking part in the flying display. Visitors were also able to walk through the easyJet Engineering hangars on their way out, where an easyJet Airbus A320 was undergoing scheduled maintenance.
This year’s static lineup included several notable new participants. The Lithuanian Air Force made its debut with a Let L-410UVP light transport aircraft,flown all the way from its home base in Lithuania marking the type’s return to the airshow since 1998. Another welcome participant was an Airbus Helicopter H145M from the Serbian Police, an aircraft not commonly seen outside Serbia.
Local contributors to the airshow included the Malta Aviation Museum, with two airworthy classics, the De Havilland Tiger Moth and Piper Cub, both attracting significant public interest. The European Pilot Academy, Malta School of Flying, and Aviation Southwest also had aircraft on static display. Adding to the lineup of classics was a Dassault Falcon 100 from Harmony Jets, in static display. Flying in all the way from Bonn in Germany was a Reims-Cessna F172H Skyhawk, registered D-EMZF and painted in the colors and markings of a U.S. Army trainer aircraft.
After a 25 years absence, the Austrian Air Force made a return to the Malta International Airshow this time with a Lockheed C-130K Hercules, a veteran aircraft nearing the end of its service life. The Irish Air Corps also participated once again, this time with a Pilatus PC-12NG, featuring a special paint scheme to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Irish Air Corps.
The United States Air Force returned with the Boeing TC-135W from the 55th Wing based at Offutt Air Base, which stands out considering the aircraft variant is rarely seen at airshows elsewhere, the trainer aircraft was open for public tours. This highly modified 1962 aircraft serves as a training platform for intelligence gathering operations. Additionally, U.S. Air Forces Europe contributed a Gates C-21A Learjet, as part of the static lineup.
Over the years, the Malta International Airshow has consistently enjoyed strong and welcome participation from several Italian air arms rarely seen elsewhere in Europe, and this year was no exception. The Guardia di Finanza was represented by an ATR P-72B and a Leonardo MH-169A, while the Polizia di Stato had a new variant of the Leonardo AW139 helicopter, the UH-139E. The Italian Air Force had a Panavia PA-200 Tornado from 6˚Stormo featuring a special livery commemorating 50 years since the aircraft’s first flight as well as a Leonardo HH-139A from the 15º Stormo. Meanwhile, the Italian Navy participated with an Airbus SH-90 anti-submarine helicopter.
The first aircraft to enter the flying display area in the early afternoon was the Armed Forces of Malta’s Leonardo AW139, proudly flying the Maltese flag beneath it. It was soon followed by flying displays from the Air Wing’s Britten-Norman BN-2T Islander and Beechcraft B200 King Air aircraft, which are an attraction to the public and aviation enthusiasts, particularly because they are rarely seen outside local operations.
For the first time ever, the Guardia Costiera delivered a dynamic display at the Malta International Airshow, represented by the men and women of the 2° Nucleo Aereo/Elicotteri based in Catania. Their demonstration involved both a Leonardo PH-139A Nemo operating from Malta International Airport and an ATR 42MP Manta flying in from Catania.
The Italian Air Force returned to the flying display programme with a dynamic search and rescue demonstration carried out by the crew of the 84° Centro C/SAR of the 15° Stormo, based at Gioia del Colle. The Leonardo HH-139A opening pass proudly carried the Italian flag below, before circling back for the start one of the most energetic displays during the event.
The French Navy returned to this year’s flying display with a Falcon 10MER from Flotille 57S, based at Landivisiau in western France. This offered a rare opportunity to see this classic type used for maritime patrol, navigation training, and multi-engine pilot training in action, likely marking its final appearance at the Malta International Airshow before its planned retirement in 2027.
The most significant and strongest return by a participating nation at the Malta International Airshow came from the German Luftwaffe, which this year also had flying displays, something not seen from a German aircraft for almost 20 years. The German contingent was supported by an Airbus KC-30A, which served as the tanker for two Typhoons and two Tornados enroute to Malta. After performing a flyby over the active runway at Malta International Airport, the formation split, with the A330 continuing to its original destination. Most of the personnel and ground equipment arrived aboard a Luftwaffe Airbus A400M, which proved to be a highlight of the static display. Visitors were given the rare opportunity to step inside the cargo hold, while a nearby hospitality area served cold German beer and offered mementos for sale.
One of the event’s most anticipated highlights was the Panavia Tornado IDS display from Tactical Air Force Wing 33 , a rare sight on the global airshow circuit nowadays. The variable-geometry supersonic bomber impressed spectators with several passes, including a joint flyby with a Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon from Tactical Air Wing 74. Both tandem passes were dedicated to a long-serving airshow committee member who passed away this year, as well as to the Polish Air Force demo pilot Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian who tragically lost his life during an airshow rehearsal in Poland. That same pilot had taken part in the flying display at last year’s 2023 event.
Two frontline Luftwaffe Typhoon squadrons also took part in the flying displays. One of the standout moments came from a display pilot known as “BamBam” of Tactical Air Wing 31 “Boelcke”, who performed his final internatioanl demonstration representing the German Air Force. Joining him was “Noble” with his Typhoon solo display from Tactical Air Wing 74 “Bavarian Tigers,” who also delivered an impressive performance.Both performances truly showcased the exceptional capabilities of the 4.5 generation fighter.
Returning for their third appearance in Malta, the Solo Türk display team had their iconic black and gold Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon with Demo Team Commander Murat Bakıcı at the controls, thrilling spectators. This was one of their few European performances during the 2025 airshow season. An Airbus A400 M and a Lockheed C-130E Hercules supported their participation.
The show finale at the Qawra Promenade on both days was entrusted to the world renowned Red Arrows, performing their final international display of the season. Their thrilling nine-ship formations and Synchro Pair dynamic manouvers never fail to captivate audiences, and for many locals, they remain the standout highlight of the entire event. The team concluded their flying display with fly pass trailing red and white smoke of the Maltese flag, earning a well deserved standing ovation from the crowd. Team support arrived on an Airbus A400M Atlas C.1 transport aircraft.
The Malta International Airshow has earned a reputation for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, thanks to the tireless dedication of its volunteers and organisers. Their passion and teamwork supported by numerous entities and sponsors continue to make this major aviation event possible. Beyond the aircraft and flying displays, the Malta International Airshow plays a vital role in inspiring future generations, nurturing interest in aviation, and strengthening Malta’s position within the global aerospace community.
Horizon extends its gratitude to the Malta International Airshow organisers for granting us access to capture these images and share them with you.
