Tag: Airshow London 2026

When you think of London, Ontario, you might picture the meandering Thames River, the historic Blackfriars Bridge, or perhaps the Victorian architecture that lines our downtown streets. But here’s something that might surprise you: London is home to the best air show in North America.

Not “one of the best.” THE BEST!

For four consecutive years, Airshow London has been voted the #1 air show in North America by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. And it all happens here every August at the London International Airport.

So how did a mid-sized Canadian city, known more for its universities and forested parks than its aviation pedigree, end up hosting the continent’s most beloved air show?

The answer involves a global pandemic, a stroke of creative genius, and a community that refused to let the skies go quiet.

A Brief History of Flight in London

London’s connection to aviation runs deeper than many realize.

During the First World War, the area around what is now the London International Airport served as a training ground for pilots. The Royal Flying Corps operated training squadrons from nearby fields, preparing young men for the skies over Europe. After the war, the site continued to evolve, eventually becoming a municipal airport in 1941.

During the Second World War, the airport was expanded and used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a training base. Thousands of pilots, navigators, and aircrew passed through London, learning their craft before heading overseas.

That military aviation heritage set the stage for something extraordinary. By the 1980s, London had become a regular stop on the Canadian air show circuit, but it wasn’t until 2020 that the city truly made aviation history.

The Pandemic That Changed Everything

In the spring of 2020, the world ground to a halt. Large gatherings were cancelled across the globe, and the air show industry, which relies on tens of thousands of people gathering to watch aircraft perform, seemed doomed. Show after show was cancelled.

But a small team of aviation enthusiasts in London refused to give up.

They asked a bold question: what if people could watch the show from the safety of their own vehicles? What if the air show became a drive-in experience, much like the old drive-in movie theatres of the 1950s and 60s?

The concept was a logistical nightmare. Coordinating hundreds of vehicles on an active airport tarmac, ensuring safety protocols, broadcasting audio directly to car radios, and maintaining social distancing while still delivering a world-class aviation spectacle? It had never been done before.

But on August 25, 2020, Airshow London’s drive-in format, now known as SkyDrive, debuted.

A Gamble That Paid Off

The response was overwhelming. Thousands of vehicles filled the tarmac at London International Airport, spaced safely apart in designated parking spaces. Families set up lawn chairs beside their cars, unpacked picnic baskets, and tuned their radios to the dedicated broadcast frequency.

And then the skies came alive.

The roar of CF-18 Hornets, the graceful ballet of the Snowbirds, the thunderous power of vintage warbirds, all performed against the backdrop of a perfect Southwestern Ontario summer sky.

What emerged from the pandemic wasn’t just a temporary solution. It was a fundamentally better way to experience an air show.

Why the Drive-In Format Works So Well

If you’ve ever been to a traditional air show, you know the drill: arrive hours early to find parking, hike across a massive field to find a decent viewing spot, fight for space among the crowd, and hope the person next to you doesn’t stand up at the wrong moment.

Airshow London’s drive-in format eliminates all of that.

Personal Tailgating Spaces: 

• Guests park in designated 20×25-foot personal spaces. There’s room for your vehicle, lawn chairs, coolers, and even a small picnic setup.

Crystal-Clear Audio: 

• No straining to hear announcements over the wind. Everything is broadcast directly to your car’s FM radio, so you hear every word of commentary and every engine roar in pristine clarity.

Unobstructed Views: 

• Because vehicles are spaced out in designated zones, every space offers a clear line of sight to the action overhead.

Comfort and Flexibility: 

• Rain? No problem. Stay in your vehicle. Need a break? The free hop-on, hop-off trolley system connects the main viewing area with static aircraft displays and food vendors. There’s even a dedicated food truck alley featuring some of London’s best mobile cuisine.

The Static Display: Up Close with Aviation History

Between aerial performances, visitors are encouraged to explore the tarmac. The static aircraft display is a highlight for aviation enthusiasts of all ages.

You’ll find everything from modern military jets to vintage warbirds, civilian aircraft to helicopters. Military pilots and crew members are on hand to answer questions, share stories, and give visitors a glimpse into the world of professional aviation.

For kids and adults alike, there’s something magical about standing beside a machine capable of supersonic flight, touching the metal, and imagining the journeys it has taken.

World-Class Performers

Airshow London attracts some of the most talented aviation performers on the planet. In recent years, audiences have been treated to:

• The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the iconic nine-jet formation team that has been thrilling audiences since 1971
• The CF-18 Hornet Demo Team, showcasing Canada’s frontline fighter jet
• The United States Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demo Team, one of the most advanced fighter jets ever built
• The RCAF CH-146 Griffon Search and Rescue demonstrations
• Vintage warbirds including the CF-18, Spitfires, and more

Each year brings new surprises, and the 2026 edition promises to be the most spectacular yet.

An Award-Winning Reputation

When USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards named Airshow London the best air show in North America in 2022, the aviation world took notice. Then the show won again in 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Four consecutive years as the continent’s best.

It’s not just the aerial performances that earned this recognition. It’s the entire experience: the thoughtful logistics, the family-friendly atmosphere, the accessibility, and the sheer joy of watching the world’s most impressive flying machines from the comfort of your own space.

Why This Matters for Visitors

Airshow London is more than just an annual event. It’s proof that London is a city that thinks differently, that finds creative solutions to challenges, and that delivers world-class experiences without the big-city crowds or prices.

For culture seekers, it’s a perfect example of the kind of authentic, unexpected experiences that make travel memorable. You’re not just watching planes fly. You’re participating in a community tradition born out of pandemic-era innovation, sustained by passionate volunteers, and celebrated with good food, great company, and breathtaking skies.

A City Worth Exploring

Airshow London brings tens of thousands of visitors to our city each August.

People come for the planes, but after the excitement at the air show, many are ready for a change of pace. Our tree-lined streets, friendly neighbourhoods, rich history, and vibrant arts and culinary scene provide exactly the change they’re looking for.

Hi, I’m Lawrence, bicycle tour guide, storyteller, and proud Londoner who believes the best way to discover a city is at a gentle pace, with the wind in your hair and plenty of good stories along the way.

I’d love to show you the rest of our city: the hidden alleyways, the historic landmarks, the surprising stories that don’t show up in guidebooks.

If you’re visiting London for the air show or any other reason, consider adding a guided bicycle tour to your itinerary. Small groups, big laughs, and a city full of surprises await. Click here to learn more!

Credit for featured cover photo: Mosaic Mind Pictures.