Feel the suspense at the Bucharest International Air Show

Man’s fascination with flying has had incredible outcomes. Our creativity and will lead to the invention of many flying devices. In Romania, one can witness the sky's conquerors in Câmpu Cetăţii and even have a spectacular dining experience at Bucharest’s Dinner in The Sky. Perhaps the biggest "crowd gatherer" of Romania’s capital, which has to do with flying, is the Bucharest International Air Show. At its 11th edition this year, at the end of August, this show is the biggest event of its nature in Romania. The pilots of the swirling aircraft, the acrobats, and the paratroopers put on a show that bewitches every single viewer. Children and adults feel the suspense in the air while aircraft pass each other by, seemingly only centimeters apart.

Bucharest Internatinal Air Show

Bulevardul Ficusului 44, București, România

Aircraft up close

What makes this air show a fun experience, for those who witness it, is the high number of different aircraft in the same place. Most of the ones we enjoy watching in the sky can also be seen on the ground, at the aircraft showing of the event. What's so unique about this exhibition is that people are allowed to board some of the airplanes. This way, visitors have the opportunity to make memories of their lifetime, by boarding a cockpit or a cargo that, otherwise, they wouldn't get a chance to enter. There is even a part of the exhibition dedicated to the Second World War, where visitors get to see devices which shaped our history. Take into consideration that there are a lot of aviation lovers attending this event, and most of them wish to take pictures with the aircraft. The waiting lines will be long, but your patience will be rewarded. 

A captivating air show

The aircraft exhibition aside, the majority come to this air show due to its captivating nature. If you attend, be prepared for an entire day of watching flights, aerial attack simulations, rescue missions, and aerial police interceptions. The aircraft has to fly at low altitude, to be able to give the crowd a show. This involves a lot of practice and security checks, especially for those who are performing the acrobatics. 

The international participants of the air show can vary from year to year, yet some Romanian entities make consecutive appearances. The Hawks of Romania (the Romanian air club) and the Blue Wings paratroopers are regular at the event, along with the Romanian Air Force. The participation of both civil and military aviators make these aerial demonstrations truly special.

Each year, the number of viewers of the event grows. There have been over 400.000 people present at this air show in the past, and this year's count will likely be higher. An emotional moment for most Romanians in the past editions has been the lowering of a Romanian flag of 800 m² from the sky by paratroopers. This massive flag descending to the ground is truly a magnificent view.

Enjoy the air show worry-free

Here are some things one needs to know before arriving at a future edition of this event. The entry is free, and you are allowed to bring certain items with you, like water, food, folding chairs, and parasols. They do offer chairs and covered areas from the sun for free, but the number of these items is limited. There is no parking on the premises, so it is better to search for alternative means of transportation. Luckily, there are various buses that one can take from the airport and the city center to the area where the show takes place. It's important to know that the end of August is very hot in Romania, so be advised to bring sunscreen and a hat. It would be a shame to have to leave the air show early because of a heat stroke. 

Seeing so many aircraft putting on a spectacle of movement and color is not just entertainment for kids but the people of all ages. Everyone can feel the suspense at the Bucharest International Air Show in Romania when the airplanes whirl around with accuracy and precision. Enjoy human's wish come true; the flying extravaganza made possible through hard work and the constant belief that man can indeed fly.