Torre del Mar International Air Show 2026: three days of Eurofighters, A400M aircraft and sunset displays

The first weekend of September will bring one of the most spectacular events on the Costa del Sol back to Torre del Mar. The Torre del Mar International Air Show will return from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September 2026 with a programme combining aerobatics, fighter jets, helicopters, parachuting and large formations over the Mediterranean.

More than 33 aircraft across 18 display units are expected to take part, including civilian, institutional and military teams from Spain and other European countries.

Sunday will host the main flying programme, but activities will run throughout the weekend, including events on the ground, opportunities to meet pilots and a Sunset Air Show designed to coincide with the evening light.

Eurofighter, A400M and Patrulla ASPA among the main attractions

Much of the attention will be focused on the military displays.

The programme includes the Eurofighter C-16, one of the most advanced fighter aircraft operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force, together with the huge A400M military transport aircraft.

The Patrulla ASPA helicopter aerobatic team will also take part, along with the NH90 helicopter and aircraft from 43 Grupo de Fuerzas Aéreas, a unit particularly well known for its role in fighting forest fires.

Parachuting will also feature prominently through PAPEA, the Spanish Air and Space Force’s Parachute Aerobatic Team.

The combination will allow spectators to see very different types of aircraft in the same event, from supersonic fighters to transport aircraft, helicopters and emergency-response units.

Formación Mirlo brings its Pilatus PC-21 aircraft to Torre del Mar

One of the main new features of the 2026 edition will be the appearance of Formación Mirlo.

Spectators will be able to see its new Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, used for advanced military pilot training and expected to be one of the most anticipated displays of the weekend.

Civil aviation will also have a strong presence. Confirmed participants include Aerosparx, Yakstars, Real Aeroclub de Sevilla, autogyro pilot Francisco Javier Jiménez ‘Francis’ and David Ceijeiro with a paramotor display.

A total of 22 aircraft will take part in multi-aircraft displays, including formation flying and coordinated aerobatic manoeuvres.

Guardia Civil and Policía Nacional will also take to the skies

The programme is not limited to aerobatic teams and the Armed Forces.

The Guardia Civil will participate with a CN-235 aircraft, a helicopter and a parachuting display, while the Policía Nacional will be represented by one of its helicopters.

This will create a particularly varied programme featuring paramotors, autogyros, light aircraft, aerobatics, helicopters, military transport, firefighting aircraft and fighter aviation, all visible from the Torre del Mar coastline.

Saturday brings aerial displays at sunset

One of the best times to visit Torre del Mar will be Saturday 5 September from around 8pm.

That is when the Sunset Air Show is scheduled to begin, with a programme designed to take advantage of the final daylight hours and continue as night begins to fall.

There will be five performances lasting approximately one hour and 50 minutes, with the show expected to continue until around 10pm to 10.15pm.

The evening light creates a very different atmosphere from the daytime programme and makes the sunset session one of the most photogenic parts of the festival.

Nearly four hours of flying on Sunday

The main event will take place on Sunday 6 September.

Organisers are preparing 19 operational blocks and almost four consecutive hours of flying, with a provisional schedule running from approximately 11.30am until 3.15pm or 3.30pm.

Timings may change due to weather, operational requirements or air-traffic coordination, so visitors are advised to check the latest programme before attending.

The displays can be seen from several points along Torre del Mar beach, although the area around Biblioplaya is one of the recommended locations for watching the main crossings and formations.

The festival continues on the ground

Not everything will happen in the sky.

The weekend will also include another model aircraft exhibition, together with appearances by the Spanish Air and Space Force Guard of Honour on Friday and Saturday.

Paseo Larios will host stands and displays linked to aviation, while Saturday morning will feature the traditional poster-signing session with pilots and display teams.

Formación Mirlo will take part in this fan event for the first time, making Saturday a particularly good day for visitors interested in experiencing the festival beyond the flying displays.

A weekend expected to fill Torre del Mar

The impact of the festival extends well beyond the beach.

Local tourism forecasts point to near-full accommodation occupancy in Torre del Mar during the weekend of 4 to 6 September, with hotels, holiday apartments, restaurants and local businesses all expected to benefit.

Holding the festival in September also helps extend tourism activity beyond the main summer season.

A special safety operation will be in place throughout the event, involving municipal services, lifeguards, firefighters, Civil Protection, Guardia Civil, Policía Nacional and health services, among other organisations.

Practical information

Event: Torre del Mar International Air Show 2026
Dates: 4, 5 and 6 September
Main location: Torre del Mar beach and seafront
Aircraft: more than 33
Display units: 18
Saturday 5: Sunset Air Show from approximately 8pm
Sunday 6: main flying display from approximately 11.30am to 3.15pm-3.30pm
Featured participants: Eurofighter, A400M, Patrulla ASPA, Formación Mirlo, PAPEA and 43 Grupo
Admission: free for spectators

The announced programme, participants and provisional timings can be found in the official information published by Vélez-Málaga Town Hall.