The 34th edition of Aviatická pouť (Aviation Fair), the largest civilian air show in the Czech Republic, scheduled for 30–31 May 2026, will take place in Hradec Králové. The change of location was forced by the Czech military authorities, which refused to host this year’s event at the traditional venue of Pardubice airfield.
Although rumours about the need to find a new venue for the long-established aviation event had been circulating for some time, they were usually related to future editions. Initially, the location of the 2026 show appeared secure, as not only the date had been announced, but also ticket sales had begun at the end of 2025.
However, the situation changed in early January, when the organising team of Aviatická pouť announced that the Czech Armed Forces were opposed to holding the event at the Pardubice airfield, a facility formally owned by the military. The refusal was linked to the planned relocation of 211. taktická letka (211th Tactical Squadron) of the Czech Air Force from Čáslav Air Base to Pardubice. The transfer, scheduled for this spring, will see Czech Air Force Gripen fighters operating from Pardubice for the next two years.
This move is directly connected to the acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets by the Czech Air Force. The country´s first 5th generation fighters are expected to arrive at Čáslav around 2031. Until then, the 21st Air Base must undergo extensive modernisation to meet the strict operational requirements of the F-35 aircraft.
The redevelopment will begin with a complete overhaul of the runway, expected to take approximately two years. During this period, the JAS-39 Gripen fighters will operate from Pardubice, while the L-159 aircraft will be based at the 22nd Helicopter Air Base in Náměšť nad Oslavou. In parallel, the helicopter fleet of Centrum Leteckého Výcviku (the Flight Training Centre – CLV) has already been relocated from Pardubice to Přerov.
The decisive factor behind the military’s refusal was the imminent transformation of Pardubice into a primary Czech military air base with permanent 24/7 Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duty and significantly increased level of military activity. This was further reinforced by the recent tightening of security regulations at Czech military facilities, including a strict ban on photography, which also applies to the Pardubice airfield.
Shortly after receiving the negative response from the military, the organisers of Aviatická pouť opened negotiations with Hradec Králové Airport and the local authorities. On 30 January 2026, to the delight of aviation enthusiasts, it was officially confirmed that the 34th Aviation Fair would be held in Hradec Králové.
Although the history of Aviatická pouť is closely tied to Pardubice – owing to the pioneering flights of Jan Kašpar – the relocation also offers clear advantages. Hradec Králové Airport is well known to aviation fans as the former venue for the Czech International Air Fest (CIAF) and the European Helicopter Show. The site is spacious enough to host an event of this scale and provides excellent viewing and photographing conditions, with the sun positioned behind spectators for most of the day. Moreover, the new location is only a few dozen kilometres from Pardubice.
Importantly, the original date of the event has been kept, eliminating the need to renegotiate participation with already confirmed exhibitors and performers. Nevertheless, significant organisational challenges remain, particularly in securing new local partners, suppliers and sponsors.
Ticket sales for the 34th Aviation Fair will resume shortly, while tickets already purchased for the Pardubice venue will remain valid. Announcements regarding the first confirmed participants are also expected soon.
Whether Aviatická pouť will ever return to Pardubice remains uncertain. While a return in 2027 appears highly unlikely, a theoretical possibility could arise after the completion of the Čáslav Air Base reconstruction is finalised. However, as early as 2024, the Czech military authorities signalled their intention to establish a European F-35 training centre in Pardubice and to designate the airfield as a reserve base for the Czech 5th generation fighters.
At the same time, the CLV is in the process of transitioning to a new generation of aircraft, which is closely linked to F-35 pilot training. A new training facility with advanced simulators has recently been built in Pardubice, forming only part of a broader investment programme.
Taken together, these developments, combined with the stringent security requirements associated with the F-35 Lightning II, cast serious doubt on the future feasibility of hosting a major civilian air show at Pardubice Airfield.
