The 34th edition of Aviatická pouť (Aviation Fair), the largest civil air show in the Czech Republic, is just a few weeks away. This year, the well-known aviation event will open a new chapter in its more than three-decade-long history, marked by a new location, revamped name, logo and branding, as well as a range of new opportunities.
In 2026, the traditional Aviation Fair will take place on 30–31 May. However, instead of being organised at its usual location at the Pardubice airfield, the event will be held in Hradec Králové. The change of location was necessitated by the Czech Armed Forces, which own the Pardubice airfield. Due to reconstruction work at the Čáslav air base, 211. taktická letka (the 211th Tactical Squadron) and its Saab JAS 39 Gripen aircraft are currently based in Pardubice, which prevents the organisation of the air show there (Aviation Fair goes to 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 enthusiasts 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 the spectators for most of the day. Moreover, the new location is only a few dozen kilometres from Pardubice.
The change of location came together with a new visual identity for the show, which is now marketed as Aviatická – Airshow Hradec Králové. However, the new location and branding have not altered the traditional concept of the event, which still offers a weekend full of aviation attractions for all generations.
As always, the programme of Aviatická – Airshow Hradec Králové promises to take its visitors on a captivating journey through the history of aviation, from the pioneering years to modern combat jets.
Among the highlights of the 2026 edition, the flying display of the German Eurofighter EF-2000 jet must be mentioned first. The aircraft, renowned for its combat agility and exceptional flight characteristics, will arrive to Hradec Králové from Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 74 (the 74th Tactical Air Force Wing) in Neuburg an der Donau. The unit, which celebrates its 65th anniversary this year, belongs to the NATO Tiger Association and is widely known for the impressive “tiger liveries” it creates for the annual Tiger Meet events. More information about the unit and the 2025 “Castle Tiger” livery can be found in our article Where Tigers Meet the Middle Ages – the Neuburg Mini Tiger Meet 2025.
Aircraft from the Flying Bulls collection are among the Aviation Fair’s regular participants, and this year will be no exception. The Red Bull Hangar 7 in Salzburg, Austria, will send a strong team to Hradec Králové, including the F4U-4 Corsair naval fighter, the twin-tailed P-38L Lightning, the legendary P-51D Mustang, as well as one of the newest additions to the collection – the Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat.
The Bearcat was introduced into operational service at the end of the Second World War, in May 1945. At that time, this single-engine, carrier-based fighter was the fastest piston-engine aircraft in the world, setting several speed records and making its mark on aviation history. Acquired by the Flying Bulls in 2025, the F8F-2 will make its European air show debut in Hradec Králové.
It should be noted that the Austrian-based team will, as usual, be supported by its domestic colleagues, the Flying Bulls Aerobatics Team. Adored by spectators, the four-aircraft aerobatic display performed by the Czech group is always one of the highlights of the air show programme.
Visitors to the 34th Aviation Fair can also look forward to another breathtaking aerobatic performance, this time flown by Martin Šonka. The Red Bull Air Race champion and award-winning Czech aerobatic pilot will participate in the show with two flying displays: a master-class performance in an Extra aircraft and a display flown in the Zlín Z-242 Zeus.
The Z-242 performance will be one of Aviatická – Airshow Hradec Králové premieres, forming part of the flying display block presented by Centrum Leteckého Výcviku (Flight Training Centre – CLV) in Pardubice. A regular participant in Aviatická pouť shows, the CLV will showcase its newest jet trainer, the Aero L-39NG Skyfox and a dernière of the Aero L-39C Albatros. In addition, the Pardubice flying school will also display one of its Enstrom 480B-G helicopters and a selection of its historical aircraft, including the iconic Let C-11 training aeroplane.
In addition, the CLV has already announced two surprise performances that spectators may expect during this year’s edition of the show. The first will be related to the L-39NG, while the second will be arranged together with DSA Aviation Company from Hradec Králové and will feature the Enstrom rotorcraft.
The aforementioned DSA company will also return to the Aviation Fair flying programme with its spectacular and unique Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) display, performed by an EC135 helicopter.
Visitors to Aviatická – Airshow Hradec Králové will certainly welcome the return of the Classic Formation, a Swiss association and display team of vintage aircraft. Last year, during the 2025 edition of Aviatická pouť, the Swiss formation had its local premiere. Its performance, including the C-47 Skytrain and three Beech Model 18 aeroplanes was not only one of the highlights of the show but also was awarded the Jan Kašpar Trophy for the best display in 2025.
The Zlín Tréner, one of the most iconic aircraft in the history of domestic aviation industry, will also be featured during the upcoming edition of the show. This year, visitors to Hradec Králové airfield will have the opportunity to enjoy a premiere performance by the four-aircraft aerobatic team known as the Trenér Box. Trenér Box.
Obviously, Letka Aviatické pouti (the Aviation Fair Squadron) flying team and its replicas of historical aircraft will not be missing from the show. Having made its official premiere in 2025, the Squadron now includes replicas of the Blériot XI and JK Blériot-type aeroplanes linked to the pioneering years of Czech aviation, as well as airworthy replicas of the Nieuport 11, the Aviatik Berg D.I and the Morane-Saulnier MS.139.
According to information recently published by the Czech media, and based on statements from the city council, the Aviation Fair is going to be held in Hradec Králové for at least the five next years.
