Drone Shows Double at 2026 Airshows

The number of airshows featuring dedicated drone light show segments has more than doubled heading into 2026, marking a dramatic shift in how event organizers approach night programming and family entertainment.

According to data from the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), 47 major North American airshows now include drone light shows as part of their official programming, up from just 21 in 2024. The trend reflects both advancing technology and changing audience expectations.

Why the Explosion in Popularity?

“Three years ago, a drone show was a novelty—something to draw attention,” said ICAS president John Cudahy. “Now it’s becoming expected. Families specifically ask whether there will be a drone segment when deciding which shows to attend.”

Several factors are driving the growth:

• Falling costs: Drone swarm technology prices have dropped 60% since 2022
• Better visuals: Modern systems can deploy 1,000+ drones creating detailed 3D imagery
• Safety record: Zero spectator injuries in over 500 shows performed
• Sustainability angle: Drone shows produce no smoke, debris, or chemical fallout
• Night programming: Fills the gap after sunset when traditional flying displays end

The Technology Behind the Spectacle

Modern drone shows use GPS-synchronized swarms that can create everything from American flags to animated aircraft to corporate logos in the night sky. The largest shows now deploy upward of 2,000 individual drones, each equipped with programmable LED lights capable of displaying millions of colors.

“What we can create now versus even two years ago is night and day,” said Sarah Chen, operations director at Verge Aero, a leading drone show company. “We’re doing 3D animations, color transitions, formations that morph in real-time. The sky has become a canvas.”

A typical airshow drone segment runs 12-18 minutes and costs between $50,000 and $250,000 depending on drone count and complexity.

Traditionalists Push Back

Not everyone welcomes the trend. Some airshow purists argue drone shows dilute the focus on actual aircraft.

“I come to airshows to see jets and warbirds, not a light display,” said longtime attendee Mike Garrison. “It’s like going to a car show and spending half the time watching a laser presentation.”

Event organizers counter that drone segments attract families with young children who might not sit through hours of flight demonstrations, ultimately growing the airshow audience.

What’s Coming in 2026

Several shows are pushing the boundaries of what drone entertainment can achieve:

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will debut a record-breaking 3,000-drone show synchronized to a live orchestra performance.

MCAS Miramar Air Show is developing a drone segment that recreates famous aerial battles from aviation history.

Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo plans an educational segment using drones to explain the principles of flight to younger attendees.

The Future of Night Airshows

Industry analysts predict drone shows will become standard programming at virtually all major airshows within five years. The technology continues advancing rapidly, with manufacturers working on smaller, brighter, and longer-lasting drone systems.

“We’re just scratching the surface,” Chen said. “In a few years, drone shows won’t be an addition to airshows—they’ll be a category as established as aerobatic flying or warbird demonstrations.”

For now, the 2026 season offers more opportunities than ever to witness the fusion of traditional aviation spectacle with cutting-edge drone technology.