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Nikole Babb
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Thunderbirds listed as headliners
As last year’s sweltering but stunning air show is still fresh in attendee’s mind, McConnell Air Force Base, (McConnell AFB), announced on Friday that their next air show date in 2026 will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as headliners.
The 2026 Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show is scheduled for October 17-18, sure to draw a crowd as usual. At last year’s air show the crowd grew to 65,000 visitors just on day one in the sweltering August heat. The air show wasn’t able to finish day two performances due to unexpected microbursts of wind gusts and rain. The 54 mph wind gusts left debris thrown around the tarmac, making conditions too dangerous to fly safely.
Despite the challenges of heat safety among attendees and unpredictable Kansas weather, McConnell AFB was given the title of 2024 Blue Angels Military Airshow of the Year last month by the Blue Angels. The air show was the best attended air show of the year.
The Thunderbirds are an Air Force performing aerial demonstration team, performing precision aerial maneuvers that display the Air Force’s high-performance aircraft to people around the globe. Six aircraft perform formation flying and solo routines that demonstrate the capability and gracefulness of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, a frontline fighter. The Thunderbirds last performed in ICT airspace in September 2022.
“The base looks forward to milder October weather and a historically lower chance of precipitation during next year’s show,” said McConnell AFB in a press release.
Other performers for the air show have yet to be announced, but the AFB is working on booking now. Details will be announced as they are made available.
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