Second Edition to Feature Night Airshows and Expanded Line-Up
The second edition of Festa al Cel Salou will take place from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September 2026, drawing crowds to the beaches of Salou for a weekend of aerial spectacle. Organisers expect over 400,000 attendees, surpassing last year’s turnout, which multiple sources cite as between 300,000 and more than 350,000 people. A key highlight is the new PortAventura Sunset Airshow on Friday evening, combining aerial acrobatics with LED lights, smoke, laser effects and integrated pyrotechnics. The event begins that morning with technical checks and training flights from 11:00 to 15:00.
Military and International Teams to Take Centre Stage
The Spanish Air and Space Force will play a leading role, fielding the Eurofighter Typhoon, A400M Atlas transport aircraft, Canadair CL-415T firefighting plane and PAPEA, its parachute acrobatic team. The Army's Aeromobile Forces (FAMET) will deploy the Airbus Tiger and Boeing Chinook helicopters. The Civil Guard will participate with its CASA-235 and BO-105 helicopter, the latter staging a maritime boarding demonstration. Catalonia’s Fire Brigades will showcase their AT-802F Fire Boss aircraft used in wildfire suppression. International acts include the Baltic Bees Jet Team from Latvia flying L-39 Albatros jets in formation, Sweden’s Scandinavian Airshows with biplanes, wingwalking and pyrotechnics, and the UK-based Aerosparx team performing with Grob 109B aircraft. Poland’s Flying Dragons Paramotor Team will also perform, using LED lighting and fireworks during formation flights.
Civil Aviation and Sustainability Efforts
Commercial aviation will be represented by Vueling Airlines, which will fly an Airbus A320 in a solo display. The flight will use 2.5 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiming to reduce environmental impact. Other participants include the Yakstars aerobatic team with Yak-52 aircraft, the Catalan Aeronautic Park Foundation showcasing historic planes, and local clubs such as Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell and Aeroclub Alt Camp de Vallmoll with light aircraft formations. Ground activities will include AVIOCAR and A400M flight simulators operated by the Air Force at Salou beach, allowing public access to military training technology.
Visitor Advice and Logistics
With large crowds expected, organisers advise arriving early and checking traffic restrictions, as some roads may be closed. Four free and thirteen paid parking zones will be available, but public transport is recommended. Attendees are urged to wear comfortable clothing, sun protection and stay hydrated. There will be food trucks, bars and two designated areas for people with reduced mobility. Families with children, elderly members or disabled individuals are encouraged to use identification wristbands. The public is asked to follow safety instructions and keep public spaces clean. More information is available via the Ajuntament de Salou website.
Reported by Pablo Santamaría, Toni Bolaño, Lluis Llorens aka Karpin - www.bdftech.com, salou.cat, reusdigital.cat.
