U.S. Government Shutdown Threatens Air Shows Nationwide

The U.S Government shut down Wednesday morning at 12:01 AM after the Senate failed to agree on a new spending bill.

Politics aside, the government shutdown looms large on the air show industry, which is entering its last full month of 2025 air show season. Without funding, U.S. military performers and demonstration teams will not be allowed to conduct scheduled performances, with military static displays also forced to withdraw from any scheduled commitments.

Unless a new spending bill gets approved prior to midnight today, October 1, all scheduled appearances for this weekend’s air shows are expected to be cancelled. The California International Airshow in Salinas, California is scheduled to host both the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team. The Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California is scheduled to host the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as well as the U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II and the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey.

The California International Airshow shared the following update earlier today:

“The 44th annual California International Airshow will go on this weekend despite a government shutdown. Our all-volunteer nonprofit organization has been planning this show for over a year. Every year we put a show together that includes the top civilian air show performers as well as military, along with ground acts and exhibits for families to enjoy.

The airshow committee met with the Blue Angels this morning and they said they had permission to stay one more day at Salinas. They briefed the air show committee as if they were to perform this weekend. If the budget is passed by midnight tonight, The Blue Angels will perform at the Airshow this weekend.

Unfortunately, if the government shutdown continues, the US Military will not be allowed to participate in the air show. This sadly means that the Navy Blue Angels, the Air Force F-16 Viper will not be able to perform, and US Military statics will not participate. This does not include the Canadian Military.”

For the latest regarding this weekend’s scheduled U.S. military appearances as well as those scheduled for the remainder of 2025, stay tuned to our website and social media.