Sanicole Sunset Airshow 2025

• Overview

The 2025 Sanicole weekend once again confirmed its reputation as one of Europe’s most atmospheric and well-organized airshows. The Sanicole Sunset Airshow (Saturday) offered twilight flying and pyrotechnics, while the International Sanicole Airshow (Sunday) delivered a full-day mix of military and civilian performances. Together they attracted around 45,000 spectators from 13 nations.

➤ Scroll down to view the full photo gallery from Sanicole Sunset Airshow 2025.

• Atmosphere & Organization

Despite challenging weather, both events were praised for their friendly, family-oriented feel and smooth coordination. The organization focused strongly on visitor comfort — with free facilities, improved catering, better traffic flow, and new convenience features like walkways and lockers. Even though jet operations had to move to Beauvechain Air Base due to Kleine-Brogel’s temporary closure, logistics remained impressively efficient.

• Flying Highlights

Sunset Airshow: featured the French Air Force aerobatic team in Extra 330s, the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, and the legendary B-17G “Sally B”. The evening ended with LED-lit and pyrotechnic acts under changing light conditions. Weather shortened some parts of the show, but the atmosphere remained magical.

Main Airshow (Sunday): delivered a balanced mix of modern power and nostalgia — including the Belgian Air Force Heritage Flight (Spitfire + F-16), the Hellenic Air Force F-4E Phantom, Czech JAS-39 Gripen, Royal Jordanian Falcons, and the Flying Bulls XA42 aerobatic team. The Frecce Tricolori made a partial appearance due to low clouds, while the Belgian NH90 NFH and A109 “Razzle Blades” represented the home forces.

• Weather & Adjustments

Strong winds and heavy showers affected the Saturday evening program, forcing several cancellations and flypast-only routines. Sunday offered better conditions, though a few sequences had to be reshuffled or shortened. Despite that, the flying schedule remained dense and entertaining, with minimal downtime.

• Public & Local Impact

Ticket sales reached record levels, with VIP and business areas sold out weeks in advance. Belgian media emphasized the pride in hosting such an international event in Limburg, and many noted the improved visitor experience and attention to comfort. Local authorities and over 1,000 volunteers contributed to the event’s trademark hospitality.

• Overall Impression

Sanicole 2025 proved once again why it stands apart from larger airshows: intimate, well-run, and full of character. Even with unpredictable weather and logistical hurdles, the combination of twilight magic, international flair, and warm organization made it one of Europe’s most charming aviation events.