The 6 Biggest Air Shows in the World, Ranked by Attendance

Whether you’re a die-hard aviation enthusiast or planning your first airshow experience, knowing which events draw the biggest crowds can help you plan the ultimate trip. From record-breaking gatherings in Wisconsin to prestigious military displays in England, these are the air shows that aviation fans around the world build their calendars around.

We’ve compiled the definitive ranking of the world’s largest air shows, complete with 2025 attendance figures and what makes each event special.

1. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh — The Undisputed Champion

Location: Wittman Regional Airport, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA
2025 Attendance: 704,000 visitors from 94 nations
Next Event: July 20-26, 2026

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh isn’t just the biggest air show in the world — it’s in a league of its own. The 2025 edition shattered records with over 700,000 attendees descending on this small Wisconsin city, transforming its regional airport into the busiest in the world for one week each July.

The numbers are staggering: more than 10,000 aircraft arrived at the field, with 16,246 aircraft operations recorded during the event — that’s approximately 108 takeoffs and landings every hour. From homebuilt experimentals to warbirds to cutting-edge electric aircraft, Oshkosh showcases the entire spectrum of aviation.

Why it’s unmissable: Where else can you see a P-51 Mustang taxi past a homebuilt RV-8, followed by an F-35 demonstration, all before lunch?

2. Paris Air Show — Where Billions Change Hands

Location: Paris-Le Bourget Airport, France
Attendance: Approximately 400,000 visitors
Next Event: June 2027 (held odd years only)

Established in 1909, the Paris Air Show holds the distinction of being the oldest air show in the world. But don’t let its age fool you — this is where the future of aviation is unveiled. Measured by number of exhibitors and exhibit space, it’s the largest aerospace industry trade event on the planet.

The 2025 show (held June 16-22) brought together manufacturers, airlines, and defense contractors for a week of billion-dollar announcements and spectacular flying displays. While the trade days are industry-focused, the public days draw hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts.

Why it’s unmissable: If you want to see aircraft that won’t fly for another decade, Paris is where they’re revealed first.

3. Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) — Military Aviation’s Finest

Location: RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK
Attendance: 150,000+ visitors
Next Event: July 2026

RIAT holds an uncontested title: the world’s largest military air show. Every summer, RAF Fairford hosts display teams and military aircraft from air forces around the globe, making it the premier event for anyone fascinated by military aviation.

What sets RIAT apart is its charitable mission — proceeds support the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust — and its ability to gather aircraft types that rarely appear together anywhere else. In recent years, attendees have witnessed everything from B-2 Spirit stealth bombers to aerobatic teams from six continents.

Why it’s unmissable: The sheer diversity of military hardware on display is unmatched anywhere in the world.

4. Farnborough International Airshow — The Business of Flying

Location: Farnborough Airport, Hampshire, UK
Schedule: Held even years (July)

Alternating with Paris, Farnborough represents the commercial heartbeat of British aerospace. As the world’s second-largest aerospace trade show, it’s where airlines place orders worth tens of billions of dollars and manufacturers debut their latest innovations.

While primarily a trade event, the flying displays are spectacular, and public days allow enthusiasts to experience the latest in commercial and military aviation up close.

Why it’s unmissable: In 2024, airlines placed orders worth over $80 billion — and you can watch those very aircraft take to the skies.

5. Dubai Airshow — Middle East’s Aviation Showcase

Location: Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai, UAE
Schedule: Held odd years (November)

The Dubai Airshow has rapidly grown to become one of the world’s most significant aerospace events, reflecting the Middle East’s enormous appetite for new aircraft. With the region’s carriers consistently ranking among the world’s largest aircraft buyers, Dubai attracts major announcements and spectacular displays.

The combination of guaranteed good weather, world-class facilities, and the presence of wealthy Gulf carriers makes this an increasingly important stop on the global air show circuit.

6. Singapore Airshow — Asia-Pacific’s Premier Event

Location: Changi Exhibition Centre, Singapore
Schedule: Held even years (February)

Serving Asia-Pacific’s booming aviation market, the Singapore Airshow is the region’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition. The show provides crucial access to Asian markets for manufacturers while offering spectacular flying displays.

With Asian airlines driving much of global aircraft demand, Singapore has positioned itself as the must-attend event for anyone doing business in the region.

Planning Your Air Show Experience

Attending a major air show requires planning well in advance:

• Book early: Hotels near Oshkosh sell out a year in advance, and Paris accommodation prices spike during the show
• Consider multiple days: Major shows like Oshkosh and RIAT offer enough content to fill several days
• Check the weather: Static displays continue rain or shine, but flying displays may be curtailed
• Bring sun protection: You’ll spend hours on exposed ramps and flightlines
• Download the apps: Most major shows have official apps with schedules and maps

The Bottom Line

If you can only attend one air show in your lifetime, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh deserves the top spot on your bucket list. But each of these events offers something unique — from the industry intrigue of Paris and Farnborough to the military might on display at RIAT.

Tickets for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 are already on sale. With the 2025 edition setting new attendance records, early booking is essential if you want to experience what the EAA rightfully calls “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.”