U.S. Military Cancels All Air Show Appearances This Weekend

After the U.S. Government shut down Wednesday morning, U.S. Military demonstration teams and static displays gave notice to upcoming air shows that unless a new spending bill was approved prior to midnight Wednesday night, all scheduled appearances and demonstrations would be cancelled for the first weekend in October.

Late Wednesday, air shows began receiving official notice that U.S. Military participation will be withdrawn for this weekend. Most notably, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels left Pensacola, Florida one week ago for a three-week stint on the west coast, and were already in position for this weekend’s California International Airshow. While they will not fly at this weekend’s air show, the Blue Angels have confirmed that they are ready and willing to participate in next weekend’s San Francisco Fleet Week if the government reopens. The Blue Angels’ website was also shut down on Wednesday.

In addition to the Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team’s appearance has also been cancelled at the California International Airshow. Further south, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team will no longer participate in the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California.

Each air show will go on this weekend, even with the lack of U.S. Military participation. The Pacific Airshow will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds along with the Royal Air Force Falcons, and each air show will feature top civilian performers.

For the latest regarding the U.S. Government shutdown and its effect on air shows across the country, stay tuned to our website and social media.