The return of Airshow London to the London International Airport this weekend is bringing record crowds, roaring jet engines, and a showcase of both past and future aviation icons. More than 7,500 vehicles packed the grounds for the sold-out, three-day SkyDrive event, a drive-in air show format introduced in recent years that has now become a signature experience. This year marked 10 years under the Airshow London name, and organizers say the 2025 edition could be their biggest yet. “Here we go. Another Airshow in London. Ten years. It’s 2025 and we are going strong,” said Gerry Vanderhoek, director of flight operations. The skies were filled with world-class aerial acts from both Canada and the U.S., including a show-stopping performance by the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, one of the most advanced fighter aircrafts in the world. “The F-22 is the first ever fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft in the world,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Bowman with the U.S. Air Force. “It really changed the game in what we’re doing when it comes to air dominance in air-to-air fighter. We are dual-role capable aircraft so we can do air-to-air and air-to-ground.” On the ground, fans had the chance to get up close with aircraft like the massive C-5 Super Galaxy, one of the largest military transport planes in the world. “It’s kind of a treat for us,” said Airman First Class Regan Fisher. “Typically, we’re flying all around the world doing all kinds of crazy missions. So, it’s not uncommon for us to take, you know, tanks, even, like, bombs and missiles and NASA satellites. Any kind of cargo, really — if it fits, it can fly.” New this year was Warbird Alley, a vintage aircraft display featuring rare planes from aviation history. Fan favourites also returned, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. “It’s a very familiar site,” said Marc-André Plante, Snowbird 8 and Opposing Lead Solo pilot. “It’s super fun to fly around, very easy to kind of navigate, which makes it a lot easier for us to do a job, keep a very tight show, and hopefully stage everything in front of the crowd.” For many, Airshow London is more than a spectacle, it’s a tradition. “We really enjoy it. It’s a really fun family tradition that we do every year,” said Evie Sinal, a returning patron. “And it’s nice to see all the planes and all the new updates they have and all the old ones from awards.” Organizers say the event has become a unique economic and cultural driver for the region, while also inspiring future generations. “I think there’s a big legacy piece here, certainly, and there’s a whole lot of fan favourites,” said Holly Doty, executive director of Airshow London. “These are assets and planes that people wouldn’t be able to see at every average place. It’s cool that in the region, we’re able to kind of bring these economic drivers here.” Airshow London has been named Best Air Show in North America by USA Today for four consecutive years and continues to gain international recognition as a premier aviation event.
