San Javier Air Festival 2026: Every Aircraft Flying Over the Mar Menor This Weekend

180,000 Visitors, 45+ Aircraft and Three Days Over the Mar Menor

The San Javier Air Festival 2026 runs from May 1–3 above Santiago de la Ribera, with the Sunday finale performed over the waters of the Mar Menor. More than 180,000 visitors are expected across the three days, making it one of the largest free airshows in Spain. This year's programme features over 45 aircraft, including a historic first appearance and several debut civilian displays. Here's a guide to everything taking to the skies.

The Star of the Show — Eurofighter

Arguably the headline act, the Spanish Air Force Eurofighter is one of the most advanced fighter jets in Europe. Expect high-speed passes, tight turns and near-vertical power climbs that will be heard and felt across the seafront. Spain has operated the Eurofighter since the early 2000s.

A Historic First — NH-90 'Lobo' (Wolf) Helicopter

This year's most significant debut is the NH-90 'Lobo' (Wolf) helicopter from Wing 48 at Cuatro Vientos Air Base, making its first-ever appearance at San Javier. The modern Spanish Air Force helicopter carries up to 20 military personnel plus crew and is used for search and rescue, personnel recovery and special operations.

Patrulla Mirlo — Pilatus PC-21

The Mirlo formation from the General Air Academy of San Javier will fly the new Pilatus PC-21 trainer — replacing the veteran C-101 that was the former mount of the Patrulla Águila. This is the PC-21's first civilian airshow appearance in Spain, alongside a solo display.

Firefighting, Transport and Emergency Aircraft

• Canadair UD13 (CL-215T / CL-415) — The Spanish Air Force's 43rd Group "water jug," capable of carrying 6,000 litres of water and with over 200,000 flight hours logged
• CN-235 — The Guardia Civil's largest aircraft at the festival, a Spanish-built CASA transport used for border control and maritime surveillance
• EC135 / H135 — Guardia Civil helicopter, range ~620km
• Bell 412 — Region of Murcia emergency services helicopter used for rescue, medical support and firefighting

Aerobatic Pilots

• Juan Velarde — Zivko Edge 540: One of Spain's most internationally recognised aerobatic pilots, flying a composite aircraft with a roll rate of ~420 degrees per second
• Camilo Benito — Extra 330SC: 2nd place at the 2024 World Aerobatic Championships; flying a 315hp carbon fibre unlimited competition aircraft
• Jorge Loureiro — Sukhoi SU-26M: Portuguese pilot and 2024 Spanish Open of Advanced Aerobatics champion, flying the powerful Soviet-era competition aircraft

International Display Teams

• Team Raven (UK) — tight formation flying in Van's RV-8 kit-built planes with white smoke trails, founded 2014
• WeFly Team (Italy) — three RV-7s flown by pilots with reduced mobility, focusing on precision formation flying
• Aerosparx (UK) — night display specialists flying Grob 109B motor gliders fitted with lights and aerial pyrotechnics

Other Participants

• ELA Aviation autogyro — flown by Francis Gimenez; the main rotor turns through airflow rather than engine power
• PAPEA — Spanish Air Force parachute acrobatic patrol, founded 1978, with over 900 performances
• Mar Menor Aeroclub — ultralight aircraft from the local aviation community
• Royal Aero Club of Seville — one of Spain's most historic aviation institutions

Practical Information

Dates: May 1–3, 2026
Location: Santiago de la Ribera, above the Mar Menor, Murcia
Admission: Free
Tourist Office: 661 572285

This article is based on reporting from Murcia Today, published May 1, 2026.