U.S. Military Absence Stretches Into Third Straight Weekend

Thursday morning, U.S. Congress once again failed to pass a continuing resolution that would have reopened the government and funded the U.S. Military, allowing military participation to resume at air shows across the country. Congress also voted on an appropriation of funds for the U.S. Department of Defense, although this bill would not have funded temporary duty, which includes all air show demonstrations and air show related travel.

Unfortunately, this means that for a third straight weekend, air show organizers across the country received confirmation on Thursday that military headliners and static displays would not be able to participate in this weekend’s air shows. Wings Over North Georgia (Rome, Georgia) was set to host the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as well as the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster II Demonstration Team. Wings Over Houston (Houston, Texas) was set to host the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The Amigo Airsho (El Paso, Texas) was set to host the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team.

Both the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds have now cancelled three out of four October appearances, and with no end to the government shutdown in sight, it’s remains to be seen whether or not either team will be able to perform at another air show for the remainder of the season. The Blue Angels are scheduled to close out their 2025 show season at their home base, NAS Pensacola, November 14-15. The Thunderbirds only have two shows remaining on their 2025 schedule, wrapping up at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi November 1-2.

While neither team is approved for air-show related travel, training flights are currently approved so that both teams remain proficient and ready to perform following an appropriation of funds. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels also have a scheduled appearance November 9th as part of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps 250th Birthday Celebration. It is unclear whether or not the team will receive approval to participate in this event.

For the latest regarding the 2025 government shutdown and its effects on air shows across the country, stay tuned to our website and social media.