The last weekend of September every other year sees the conclusion of the European Air Display season for many on the Mediterranean island of Malta, For the third consecutive show South West Aviation Photographers were there to witness one of our favorite airshows on the calendar. Reaffirming its place as one of the region’s most distinctive aviation events. The 2025 edition balanced crowd‑pleasing displays with meaningful operational insight, offering enthusiasts and general public alike a rare opportunity to engage closely with aircraft, crews, and participating nations. Managed by the Malta Aviation Society who as enthusiasts themselves have a keen eye on looking for unusual or rarely seen aircraft to be invited to their show. For 2025 a number of participants were invited as the show would likely be the last time the aircraft type would visit Malta. The Malta Airshow with a static display taking place at two locations at Malta-International Luqa Airport and the flying display taking place at Buġibba Bay, Qwara in the north of the island.
The static display as has been for the last two occasions was split between the easyJet Engineering Malta Apron in the northwest corner of the airport where members of the public were able to view up close the majority of the aircraft taking part in the flying display, something that not all airfield based flying displays let alone seaside based flying displays can claim. As well as guided tours of easyJet Engineering Malta’s extensive facilities. Safi Aviation Park is a 250,000 square meter aviation cluster on the edge of Malta International Airport, designed as a one‑stop hub for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operations. Home to companies such as Medavia, GulfMed, and Aviation Cosmetics, it provides airside hangars, upgraded taxiways capable of accommodating large aircraft including the Airbus A380, and facilities for private jets, helicopters, air ambulances, and specialist training. Over its first decade, the park has grown into a key contributor to Malta’s aviation economy, supporting hundreds of jobs and generating around €600 million in economic activity. For one week in September, it is the home of the Malta International Airshow. For our round up of last years event, we review the event by nation.
Austria
An aircraft likely to be visiting Malta for the last time and one that dominated the area alongside the Triq Carmelo Caruana the Austrian Air Force Lockheed C-130K Hercules. With the Austrians opting for the Embraer KC-390 as its replacement the aging Hercules which once served with the Royal Air Force likely has less than two years left. The Austrian Air Force’s C‑130K Hercules brought both historical significance and operational weight to the Malta International Airshow, marking its first appearance since 2000 and the type’s debut at the event in Austrian Service. Operated by Lufttransport Staffel (LuTSta), the rugged ex‑RAF Hercules arrived in its distinctive light grey scheme and formed one of the standout attractions of the 2025 static display. Its participation underscored Austria’s air‑mobility capabilities, with the aircraft long serving as a backbone for tactical transport and humanitarian missions. The Hercules 8T‑CC’s landing at Luqa on 26 September 2025 and its presence across the weekend added a rare heavy‑lift element to the show, further strengthening the international mix and giving enthusiasts a final opportunity to see an Austrian C‑130K in Malta before the fleet’s planned replacement.
France
The Dassault Falcon 10MER of 57S, based at Landivisiau, added a refined and operationally meaningful touch to the Malta International Airshow 2025, highlighting a French Navy asset that is rarely seen outside its home region. Serving as the Navy’s fast, agile liaison and training platform, the Falcon 10MER demonstrated precisely why it has remained such a dependable workhorse for fleet‑support operations. Its compact airframe, maritime‑configured avionics, and excellent handling make it ideal for a wide spectrum of missions transporting personnel between naval bases, calibrating coastal navigation and radar systems, and conducting light coastal‑surveillance tasks across Brittany’s busy naval airspace. On static display in Malta, the aircraft drew interest not for raw power or size, but for the understated sophistication of a platform that has quietly underpinned French naval readiness for decades.
Its appearance also carried a sense of transition. The Falcon 10MER fleet is approaching retirement, with the Swiss‑built Pilatus PC‑24 selected as its successor bringing greater range, modern avionics, and improved efficiency to the Navy’s liaison and calibration duties. This made the 2025 Malta appearance particularly poignant: a rare chance for enthusiasts to see a French Navy Falcon 10MER abroad before the type disappears from European airshow circuits. For Malta, it was both a showcase of French maritime aviation heritage and a glimpse of an era soon to close, delivered by an aircraft that has served with quiet reliability and unmistakable purpose.
Germany
The German Air Force delivered two distinctly different Eurofighter Typhoon solo displays at the Malta International Airshow 2025, each representing a separate Tactical Air Wing and each flown with its own style, tempo, and character. From Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 31 “Boelcke” (TLG 31) at Nörvenich, pilot “Bambam” performed a sharp, high‑precision routine built around tight geometry and disciplined energy management. His display emphasized the Typhoon’s clean lines, high‑alpha control, and rapid pitch authority, reflecting TLG 31’s reputation for crisp, technically exact flying. In contrast, TaktLwG 74 from Neuburg flown by “Noble” brought a more aggressive, high‑energy demonstration, with faster transitions, deeper turns, and a more dynamic use of vertical maneuvers. This gave Malta spectators a rare opportunity to see two interpretations of the same aircraft, each shaped by squadron culture and pilot technique. Together, the TLG 31 and TLG 74 displays marked the Luftwaffe’s first return to Malta’s flying programme in over two decades, delivering a powerful twin‑squadron presence that became one of the defining highlights of the 2025 show.
The Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader 33 (TLG 33) brought a powerful sense of heritage and finale to the Malta International Airshow 2025 with their Panavia Tornado IDS, marking one of the very last opportunities for Maltese spectators to witness Germany’s iconic strike aircraft at an overseas display. The star of their participation was 43+92, a beautifully presented aircraft wearing a special paint scheme that immediately set it apart on the apron. The design blended deep blacks and metallic tones with bold commemorative graphics celebrating the Tornado’s decades of service within the Luftwaffe, giving the jet a dramatic, almost ceremonial presence. Its angular camouflage and striking tail artwork made 43+92 one of the most photographed aircraft of the entire weekend, a visual tribute to a platform that has defined German strike capability since the Cold War.
TLG 33’s involvement extended beyond their display, culminating in a memorable paired flypast that became one of the signature moments of Malta 2025. In a rare and symbolic formation, the Tornado IDS joined a German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon for a sweeping pass over the showground an elegant visual metaphor for the Luftwaffe’s transition from legacy strike aviation to modern multi‑role capability. The contrast between the Tornado’s distinctive variable‑geometry wings and the Typhoon’s clean delta‑canard profile underscored the generational shift, while also celebrating the enduring professionalism of both units. For Malta, the flypast was more than a display item; it was a farewell salute to a legendary aircraft and a proud demonstration of Germany’s continued commitment to the airshow.
The German Air Force’s Airbus A400M from Lufttransportgeschwader 62 (LTG 62) added a strong air‑mobility presence to the Malta International Airshow 2025, standing out as one of the most modern and capable transport aircraft on the static line. Based at Wunstorf, LTG 62 is the Luftwaffe’s primary A400M unit, responsible for strategic airlift, tactical transport, humanitarian missions, and support to overseas deployments. Its appearance in Malta offered enthusiasts a close look at Germany’s next‑generation airlift platform, showcasing the aircraft’s advanced cockpit, powerful turboprop engines, and versatile cargo configuration. The A400M’s attendance also underscored the logistical backbone behind Germany’s wider participation at the show, reinforcing the aircraft’s growing importance within European air‑mobility operations and highlighting LTG 62’s role in supporting international engagements.
The German Navy’s P‑3C Orion was scheduled to be one of the most anticipated maritime‑patrol participants at the Malta International Airshow 2025, appearing as part of its global farewell tour before retirement. Unfortunately, deteriorating weather along its transit route forced the crew to cancel the stop in Malta, a decision made for safety and operational prudence during the aircraft’s long‑distance itinerary. Its absence was felt across the enthusiast community, as the P‑3C has been a cornerstone of German naval aviation for decades, and Malta would have been one of the final opportunities to see the type in person before it leaves service.
The Cessna T‑41 “Mescalero” D‑EMZF brought a welcome touch of classic military‑trainer heritage to the Malta International Airshow 2025 static display. Originally developed as a military derivative of the Cessna 172, the T‑41 served for decades as a reliable primary‑training aircraft for numerous air forces, valued for its simplicity, robustness, and forgiving handling. D‑EMZF, immaculately presented, offered visitors a close look at this historically significant platform, bridging the gap between general aviation and military flight training. Its presence added variety and nostalgia to the static park, reminding enthusiasts of the foundational aircraft that shaped generations of pilots before they progressed to more advanced types.
Ireland
A Pilatus PC-12/47E from an air arm that has a lot of similarities to Malta, a politically neutral island nation, with a relatively small defense force, that nation being Ireland. For the 2nd time Ireland have attended with a Pilatus PC-12/47E from 104 Squadron based at Baldonnel-Casement aerodrome. The Irish Air Corps operates four PC-12/47E’s three in the “Spectre” configuration, used for Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance however 280 was procured during the coronavirus pandemic with the Irish authorities identifying an urgent operational requirement for immediate additional fixed‑wing capacity when commercial travel and normal logistics were disrupted, enabling rapid transport of medical samples, urgent government tasking, and contingency travel for senior officials. The aircraft was painted into a commemorative scheme for the Irish Air Corps 100th Anniversary in 2022.
Italy
The geographical proximity and their strong diplomatic ties between Italy and Malta have benefitted the Malta airshow with some superb support over the years. In recent years almost every Air Arm of the Italian Government has attended and 2025 was no difference.
Aeronautica Militare: The Aeronautica Militare has supported Malta for decades, often providing a mix of frontline aircraft, training platforms, and specialist units that reflect the breadth of Italy’s air‑power structure. In 2025, their presence continued this tradition with a polished, well‑coordinated contingent that highlighted both operational capability and Italy’s close ties with Malta. Italian crews are consistently among the most engaged at the show, offering detailed technical explanations, welcoming enthusiasts into their aircraft, and reinforcing the sense of partnership between the two Mediterranean nations. Their participation is never tokenistic; it is a deliberate, well‑resourced contribution that elevates the event’s credibility and international standing.
The HH‑139B of the Aeronautica Militare delivered one of the most polished and operationally rich contributions to the Malta International Airshow 2025, highlighting Italy’s frontline search‑and‑rescue and multi‑mission capability in a way that resonated strongly with both enthusiasts and professionals. The aircraft arrived in its familiar grey SAR configuration, equipped with the advanced avionics suite, hoist system, and mission sensors that define Italy’s modern rotary‑wing fleet. Throughout the weekend, the crew demonstrated the HH‑139B’s versatility—explaining its role in daily national SAR coverage, maritime patrols across the central Mediterranean, and rapid‑response missions supporting civil protection and humanitarian operations. Its presence offered visitors a close look at one of Europe’s most capable rescue helicopters, with Italian personnel providing detailed technical insight and engaging warmly with the public.
Beyond its operational significance, the HH‑139B’s attendance reinforced the Aeronautica Militare’s long‑standing commitment to Malta’s airshow. Italy’s SAR crews are consistently among the most professional and approachable participants, and the 2025 display continued that tradition, adding a real‑world operational dimension to the display lineup. The helicopter’s modern systems, clean presentation, and the crew’s willingness to discuss real mission experiences made it a standout asset, underlining Italy’s role as one of the airshow’s most reliable and valued supporters.
The PA‑200 Tornado has always carried a special weight at the Malta International Airshow, and the 2025 appearance of MM7067 felt particularly momentous. Wearing its striking commemorative tail—an intricate blend of 6º Stormo “Diavoli Rossi” heritage, bold red‑and‑black artwork, and stylized markings honoring the Tornado’s decades of service—the aircraft immediately became one of the most photographed highlights of the weekend. Its dark operational camouflage contrasted sharply with the vivid fin design, giving MM7067 a commanding presence on the static line and offering enthusiasts a rare chance to study one of the most visually distinctive Tornados still flying in Europe. Italian crews added depth to the display, engaging with visitors about the aircraft’s swing‑wing architecture, low‑level strike pedigree, and the enduring role the Tornado has played in Mediterranean and NATO operations.
What made MM7067’s attendance even more significant was the growing understanding that this may well be the last opportunity to see an Italian Tornado in Malta. With the Aeronautica Militare steadily transitioning toward newer platforms and the Tornado fleet entering its twilight years, appearances abroad especially at smaller, enthusiast‑focused shows are becoming increasingly scarce. The 2025 static display therefore carried a sense of farewell: a final, close‑up encounter with a legendary European strike aircraft that has shaped decades of operational history. MM7067’s presence not only elevated the airshow’s prestige but also offered Maltese spectators a poignant, possibly last glimpse of Italy’s iconic swing‑wing fighter‑bomber on their shores.
Marina Militare: The Italian Navy’s NH Industries SH‑90A added a distinctive maritime‑aviation presence to the Malta International Airshow 2025, underscoring Italy’s deep operational ties to the central Mediterranean and its long‑standing support for the event. The helicopter, operated by the 2° Gruppo Elicotteri, arrived in its naval grey scheme equipped with the mission systems that define Italy’s modern shipborne capability advanced radar, FLIR turret, folding blades, and the multi‑role configuration that allows the SH‑90A to transition seamlessly between anti‑surface tasks, SAR operations, and maritime security missions. On static display, the aircraft drew sustained interest thanks to its clean presentation and the crew’s willingness to explain the SH‑90A’s role aboard Italy’s FREMM frigates and other major naval units, giving visitors a rare close‑up look at one of Europe’s most capable naval helicopters.
Its attendance carried additional significance due to the unit’s proximity to Malta. The 2° Gruppo Elicotteri is based at Catania–Fontanarossa, just a short hop across the Sicilian Channel, making the SH‑90A one of the closest major military aviation assets to Maltese airspace. This geographical closeness has long facilitated Italian Navy participation, and in 2025 it reinforced the sense of operational realism behind the display: the helicopter that Maltese observers saw on the apron is the same type routinely patrolling the waters they share with Italy. The SH‑90A’s presence therefore blended capability, regional relevance, and neighborly cooperation, standing out as one of the most meaningful maritime contributions to Malta’s 2025 airshow.
Guardia Costiera: The Guardia Costiera delivered one of the most operationally authentic and visually engaging contributions to the Malta International Airshow 2025 with a coordinated role demonstration over Buġibba Bay, Qawra, featuring both the PH‑139A helicopter and the ATR 42‑500MP maritime‑patrol aircraft. Their display showcased the real‑world synergy between Italy’s airborne search‑and‑rescue and maritime‑surveillance assets, beginning with the ATR 42‑500MP sweeping across the bay in a low, purposeful pass its mission suite, radar, and electro‑optical sensors representing the backbone of Italy’s day‑to‑day maritime monitoring. The ATR 42‑500MP operated directly from its home base at Catania–Fontanarossa, only a short distance from Malta, emphasizing the proximity and operational relevance of Italian Coast Guard aviation to the shared waters of the central Mediterranean.
As the ATR completed its patrol demonstration, the PH‑139A took center stage with a dynamic SAR‑focused sequence that highlighted the helicopter’s hoist capability, maneuverability, and the professionalism of its crew. The aircraft performed precise positioning over the bay, simulating a rescue scenario that illustrated how the Guardia Costiera integrates rotary‑wing assets with fixed‑wing surveillance platforms during real missions. The combination of the ATR’s wide‑area maritime awareness and the PH‑139A’s close‑quarters rescue capability created a compelling, realistic portrayal of Italy’s maritime‑safety operations. Their presence at Buġibba Bay not only added a strong operational dimension to the flying display but also reinforced the Guardia Costiera’s longstanding commitment to Malta and the shared responsibility of safeguarding Mediterranean waters.
Guardia Di Finanza: The MH‑169A of the Italian Guardia di Finanza brought a sharp, law‑enforcement‑focused dimension to the Malta International Airshow 2025, standing out as one of the most modern and operationally relevant assets on the static line. Operated by the Centro di Aviazione at Pratica di Mare, the helicopter arrived in its distinctive green‑and‑yellow Guardia di Finanza livery, a scheme that immediately signals its frontline role in border security, anti‑smuggling operations, coastal surveillance, and rapid‑response missions across Italy’s vast maritime and land frontiers. The MH‑169A’s clean presentation, advanced avionics suite, and mission‑ready configuration complete with surveillance sensors and rescue‑capable equipment offered visitors a close look at the cutting‑edge capabilities the Guardia di Finanza employs daily in safeguarding national and EU borders.
Its appearance carried additional weight because the Guardia di Finanza is not a frequent participant at European airshows, making the 2025 attendance a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to engage directly with one of Italy’s most specialized aviation units. Crews from Pratica di Mare were notably welcoming, providing detailed explanations of the MH‑169A’s operational profile, its integration with maritime patrol aircraft, and the unit’s role in high‑tempo interdiction missions across the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Seas. The helicopter’s presence enriched the static display with a unique blend of law‑enforcement capability, Italian professionalism, and operational authenticity reinforcing Italy’s broad, multi‑agency support for Malta’s airshow and highlighting the Guardia di Finanza as a key contributor to Mediterranean security.
Polizia di Stato: The Polizia di Stato’s Leonardo UH‑139C, deployed from the 4° Reparto Volo at Palermo, brought a polished and highly relevant law‑enforcement presence to the Malta International Airshow 2025, underscoring Italy’s multi‑agency commitment to the event. Finished in its distinctive blue‑and‑white police livery, the UH‑139C immediately stood out on the static line, its clean presentation and mission‑ready configuration reflecting the aircraft’s frontline role in public‑security operations across Sicily. As one of the most modern helicopters in the Polizia di Stato fleet, the UH‑139C is equipped with advanced avionics, surveillance sensors, and rapid‑response capabilities that support a wide spectrum of missions from search‑and‑rescue and medical evacuation to border policing, disaster response, and high‑tempo law‑enforcement activity.
Its attendance carried particular significance due to the geographical closeness of the 4° Reparto Volo, based at Palermo, making the unit one of Malta’s nearest major Italian policing aviation assets. This proximity added a layer of operational authenticity to the display: the helicopter seen on the apron is the same type routinely patrolling the waters and airspace just north of Malta. Throughout the weekend, the Polizia di Stato crew engaged warmly with visitors, offering detailed insight into their mission set, the UH‑139C’s capabilities, and the unit’s role in safeguarding Sicily and the wider central Mediterranean. Their presence enriched the static display with a unique blend of public‑security professionalism and modern Italian rotary‑wing capability, reinforcing Italy’s broad and dependable support for Malta’s airshow.
Lithuania
The Lithuanian Air Force’s Let L‑410UVP Turbolet made a quietly significant yet warmly received debut at the Malta International Airshow, marking Lithuania’s first‑ever participation in the event. The compact twin‑turboprop, operated by the Transporto Eskadrilė, arrived in its clean white-and-blue national markings and immediately became a point of interest thanks to its rarity in southern European airshows. Throughout the weekend, the L‑410UVP offered visitors an up‑close look at Lithuania’s light transport and liaison capabilities, reflecting the air arm’s growing international engagement. Its presence added a fresh Baltic dimension to the 2025 edition and stood out as one of the most meaningful new national contributions to Malta’s long-running airshow tradition.
Netherlands
The Royal Netherlands Air Force’s Airbus A330‑243MRTT played a quiet but essential role in enabling Germany’s participation at the Malta International Airshow 2025, providing long‑range support to the Luftwaffe contingent en route to the island. As one of Europe’s most capable multi‑role tankers, the A330 MRTT offered both aerial refueling during the transit south, ensuring that the German Air Force’s Eurofighter Typhoons and Panavia Tornados could position efficiently for the weekend’s flying displays. Its involvement underscored the close operational cooperation between the Dutch and German air arms—partners within the Multinational MRTT Fleet and highlighted how modern European air mobility assets underpin the logistical backbone of international airshow participation. Though not present at Malta itself, the A330 MRTT’s behind‑the‑scenes support was a key enabler in bringing one of the show’s most anticipated fast‑jet contributions to Maltese skies.
Serbia
The Serbian Ministry of Interior’s Airbus H145M was one of the most eye‑catching and symbolically important newcomers at the Malta International Airshow 2025, representing both Serbia’s first attendance and the growing prominence of its MOI Helicopter Unit. The aircraft arrived in its silver and blue scheme, fitted with the mission equipment typical of Serbia’s law‑enforcement and special‑operations profile. Crews from the MOI used the weekend to highlight the helicopter’s multi‑role capability ranging from policing and border security to medical evacuation and rapid‑response duties while engaging closely with visitors and international counterparts. Its presence added a modern, highly capable public‑security dimension to the static display and underscored Serbia’s intent to deepen cooperation and visibility within European aviation circles, making the MOI H145M one of the standout highlights of Malta 2025.
Turkey
SoloTürk’s continued support for the Malta International Airshow has become one of the event’s defining strengths, with the Turkish Air Force’s F‑16C demonstration team consistently delivering some of the most dynamic and high‑energy displays seen over the island. Their 2025 appearance reaffirmed this long‑standing commitment: a flawlessly executed routine combining aggressive maneuvering, precision passes, and the trademark SoloTürk artistry that blends power with choreography. Beyond the flying, the team’s engagement with Maltese spectators, organizers, and fellow participants has helped cement a genuine relationship between SoloTürk and the airshow community. Each return visit reinforces Malta’s ability to attract top‑tier military performers, and SoloTürk’s presence has become a reliable highlight that elevates the show’s profile across Europe.
The Turkish Air Force provided robust and highly coordinated support to SoloTürk during their deployment to the Malta International Airshow 2025, ensuring the F‑16C demonstration team could operate at full capability throughout the weekend. A Turkish Air Force A400M and C‑130 formed the backbone of this logistical effort, transporting ground crew, equipment, spares, and the extensive support infrastructure required for an international fast‑jet display team. The A400M delivered strategic lift capacity, carrying larger loads and specialist equipment, while the C‑130 offered flexible tactical transport for personnel and mission‑critical items. Together, they ensured SoloTürk’s aircraft were fully sustained from arrival to departure, enabling the team to deliver their trademark high‑energy, precision routine over Buġibba Bay. Their involvement highlighted the professionalism and depth of Turkey’s air mobility fleet and underscored the strong operational commitment behind SoloTürk’s continued support for Malta’s premier aviation event.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows once again demonstrated their long‑standing commitment to the Malta International Airshow in 2025, delivering a polished, high‑energy performance that reaffirmed their status as one of Europe’s premier display teams. This year carried particular significance thanks to Red 10, Sqn Ldr Graeme Muscat, whose Maltese heritage has long made Malta a personally meaningful stop on the team’s international calendar. Serving in his final season as Team Manager, Muscat’s appearance at Malta 2025 marked his last international display in the role, adding a poignant note to the weekend. His presence strengthened the bond between the Red Arrows and the Maltese public, with local spectators turning out in force to celebrate both the team’s precision flying and Muscat’s connection to the island. The RAF’s continued support remains a cornerstone of the airshow’s prestige, and the 2025 edition highlighted just how deeply the Red Arrows are woven into Malta’s aviation story.
The Royal Air Force’s Airbus A400M Atlas C1 provided essential logistical support to the Red Arrows during their deployment to the Malta International Airshow 2025, underpinning the team’s ability to operate smoothly throughout the weekend. As the RAF’s primary tactical and strategic airlift platform, the Atlas carried ground crew, equipment, spares, and the substantial support infrastructure required to sustain a full aerobatic team overseas. Its involvement ensured that the Red Arrows could maintain their high‑tempo display schedule, with the Atlas delivering the reliability, payload capacity, and range needed for an international commitment of this scale. Though not part of the flying display, the A400M’s behind‑the‑scenes contribution was a vital enabler of the RAF’s polished presence in Malta, reinforcing the aircraft’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s most capable and versatile air mobility assets.
United States of America
Strong support in 2025 also came from the United States Air Force who attended once again with the Boeing TC-135W from Offutt Air Force Base, 62-4127 is one of only two operational TC-135s operated by the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Wing to train aircrew ready to serve operationally on the RC-135 fleet. We understand that Malta is the only airshow outside of the United States of America that the TC-135 has attended, coming from slightly closer to home but still a very welcome guest was the Learjet C-21A from the 76th Air Squadron, 86th Air Wing from Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. The Learjet C-21A is a militarized variant of the Learjet 35A, serving as a nimble light transport aircraft for senior personnel, priority cargo, and aeromedical evacuation. Powered by two AlliedSignal TFE731‑2 turbofans, it cruises at around 530 mph with a range of 2,300 miles, carrying up to eight passengers. Compact, fast, and highly dependable, the Learjet C-21A remains a valuable asset for time‑sensitive airlift across the U.S. and Europe. A Boeing KC-135R from the 100th air refueling wing at RAF Mildenhall was also planned to join them but due to operational commitments this had to withdraw its participation.
Malta
The Armed Forces of Malta Air Wing delivered a proudly Maltese contribution to the Malta International Airshow 2026, balancing real‑world operational commitments with their traditional support for the event. Ongoing national tasking—particularly SAR coverage, maritime patrols, and border‑security operations—meant that only the Britten‑Norman BN‑2T‑26 Islander could be spared for the static park, where it nonetheless drew strong interest as one of Malta’s most recognizable and hard‑working aviation assets. In the flying display, however, the Air Wing was able to showcase a fuller cross‑section of its capabilities: the BN‑2T‑26 Islander, AgustaWestland AW139, and Beech B200GT King Air all took to the air, demonstrating the breadth of Malta’s fixed‑ and rotary‑wing operations. The AW139, now firmly established as Malta’s frontline SAR helicopter, performed the traditional flag fly-past, taking over the ceremonial role once held by the beloved Aérospatiale SA.316B Alouette III. Together, these displays highlighted the Air Wing’s professionalism, operational tempo, and its continued commitment to representing Malta at its premier aviation event—even while fulfilling the demanding responsibilities of safeguarding the islands and their surrounding waters.
The Malta Aviation Museum added an elegant touch of Maltese aviation heritage to the Malta International Airshow 2025 with the inclusion of its beautifully maintained de Havilland DH‑82A Tiger Moth II (9H‑RAF) and Piper L‑4H Cub (9H‑CUB) in the static display. These two classic aircraft, immaculately presented, offered visitors a close and authentic glimpse into Malta’s early civil‑ and military‑aviation story. The Tiger Moth, with its iconic biplane silhouette, and the Cub, with its timeless light‑aircraft profile, provided a charming contrast to the modern military assets on show. Their presence not only highlighted the museum’s dedication to preservation but also ensured that Malta’s own aviation legacy remained a visible and celebrated part of the 2025 event.
The Dassault Falcon 100 from Harmony Jets added a welcome touch of corporate elegance to the Malta International Airshow 2025 static display, standing out as one of the sleekest businesses‑aviation aircraft on the apron. Presented in immaculate condition, the Falcon 100 highlighted the clean lines and refined profile of Dassault’s classic light‑jet design, offering visitors a contrast to the military‑heavy lineup elsewhere on the field. Its inclusion highlighted the growing presence of Maltese‑based operators within the region’s aviation landscape and underscored Harmony Jets’ commitment to supporting local aviation events.
The Professional Aviation Training Academy Malta, European Pilot Academy, and Aviation Southwest Malta all contributed a strong general‑aviation presence to the Malta International Airshow 2025 static park, highlighting a variety of training aircraft that reflect the island’s vibrant pilot‑training sector. Their displays offered visitors an accessible look at the platforms used daily by Malta’s student pilots, adding educational value and highlighting the country’s growing role in European aviation training. In a year dominated by high‑profile military participation, these schools ensured that general aviation and the next generation of Maltese aviators remained an important and visible part of the event.
The spotters package arguably one of the best‑value offerings on the European airshow circuit—provided access to a welcome pack, souvenir programme, two days of airside access beside the runway at Luqa–Malta International Airport for the arrivals, access to the static park on both show days, and access to the flying‑display aircraft at the easyJet Engineering Malta Apron. This allowed photographers to capture crews as they boarded, prepared, and taxied out for their displays. The package also included a night shoot at both Safi Aviation Park and easyJet Engineering Malta, as well as airside access next to the runway for Monday’s departures. Throughout the weekend, the organizers maintained constant communication via a WhatsApp group, keeping spotters informed of aircraft movements and schedules, and even delivered lifesaving bottles of ice‑cold water to the runway edge during the hottest parts of the day. Not to mention being able to shoot all the non airshow movements going on at Luqa–Malta International Airport which are alot more exotic than what you find in the UK.
From a domestic perspective, the Malta International Airshow 2025 also arranged several discounts that spotters travelling from outside Malta could benefit from, including reduced airfares with KM Malta Airlines which we certainly took advantage of. discounted fares on the Bolt app, and car‑hire reductions with Hertz, all certainly made the airshow more attractive to many holidaymakers looking for a spotting trip with some late year sun.
The Malta International Airshow 2025 closed on a high note, delivering one of the most diverse and operationally rich editions in recent years. From major international military participants to heritage aircraft and Maltese‑based operators, the show successfully blended fast‑jet spectacle, maritime‑patrol capability, rotary‑wing professionalism, and local aviation culture into a cohesive and memorable weekend. Highlights such as the dual German Air Force Typhoon displays, the TLG 33 Tornado IDS farewell appearance, Italy’s multi‑agency presence, and rare contributions from France underscored Malta’s growing relevance on the European airshow circuit. Balanced by strong general‑aviation representation and the Malta Aviation Museum’s heritage aircraft, the 2025 event reaffirmed its reputation for delivering quality, variety, and operational authenticity setting a confident foundation for future editions. We’re certainly looking forward to The Malta International Airshow 2027.
South West Aviation Photographers would like to thank everyone at Malta International Airshow for making this article possible
Report by Matt Sudol
© South West Aviation Photographers 2026