The skies over Germiston are getting ready for take-off.
After a three-year absence, the Rand Airport Airshow is returning to Rand Airport on Sunday, 30 August 2026, bringing aircraft, aerobatics and aviation enthusiasts together for its first airshow since 2023.
And if you have been waiting for the roar of aircraft engines to return to the Rand Airport skies, the countdown is officially on.
Gates open at 08:00, with the flying display and main airshow programme running from 10:00 to 15:30.
It promises a full day of aviation, entertainment and family fun, with a programme designed to showcase both the spectacle of flight and South Africa’s rich aviation heritage.
The skies are coming alive again
The Rand Airport Airshow 2026 will feature a mix of high-energy aerial performances, aerobatics and historic aircraft.
Among the aircraft scheduled to take to the skies are the Rand Airport-based Puma Flying Lions, Harvards, Master Power Extra 330s and the classic Beech 18.
The flying programme will bring together different eras and styles of aviation, from historic aircraft to modern aerobatic performances.
For aviation fans, that means plenty to watch.
For families, it offers the chance to experience the excitement of aviation from close range.
And for anyone who simply loves the sound of an aircraft engine overhead, Germiston is going to be a very interesting place to be on 30 August.
More than just a flying display
While the aerial action is expected to be the main attraction, there will be plenty happening on the ground.
Static aircraft displays will be available throughout the event, giving visitors an opportunity to get closer to the aircraft on display.
Flight schools will also be present, showcasing their training programmes and opportunities for people interested in pursuing a career in aviation.
That adds another dimension to the event.
The airshow is not only about watching pilots perform incredible manoeuvres.
It also provides an opportunity to learn more about the industry and the different career paths available within aviation.
From pilots to engineers and other aviation professionals, the sector offers a wide range of possibilities.
Inspiring the next generation
That educational element is particularly important to Essential Fuels, the headline sponsor of this year’s airshow.
According to Paul Kruger, General Manager of Essential Fuels, the company’s support is about more than putting aircraft on display.
“We’re proud to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Rand Airport Airshow, an event that brings people together to celebrate the excitement and possibility of aviation,” says Kruger.
He says the company wants to help open young eyes to the opportunities available within the aviation industry.
The aim is to spark curiosity and showcase the career possibilities that exist beyond simply becoming a pilot.
Kruger says the company is honoured to help showcase the sector and inspire the next generation of pilots, engineers and innovators.
It is a fitting message for an event that allows young visitors to see aviation not just as entertainment, but potentially as a future career.
Food, drinks and a full day out
The Rand Airport Airshow is also designed as a family day out.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase throughout the event, while a dedicated beer tent will offer visitors a relaxed space to enjoy refreshments and take in the atmosphere.
With the gates opening at 08:00, visitors will have time to arrive, explore the ground displays and settle in before the flying programme gets underway.
The main flying and airshow programme will continue until 15:30.
Tickets are already on sale
Visitors can purchase tickets online through Quicket, with tickets also available at the gate on the day of the airshow.
Ticket prices are:
- Adults: R160
- Pensioners: R120
- Children under 12: R100
- Children under 2: Free
With aviation enthusiasts and families expected to travel from across Gauteng and beyond, those planning to attend can secure their tickets ahead of the event.
Rand Airport Airshow 2026 at a glance
Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026
Venue: Rand Airport, Germiston
Gates open: 08:00
Flying display: 10:00–15:30
Adults: R160
Pensioners: R120
Kids under 12: R100
Under 2s: Free
What to expect
✈️ Puma Flying Lions
✈️ Harvards
✈️ Master Power Extra 330s
✈️ Beech 18
✈️ Aerobatic displays
✈️ Historic aircraft
✈️ Static aircraft displays
✈️ Flight schools and aviation career opportunities
✈️ Food and drinks
✈️ Dedicated beer tent
✈️ Family entertainment
The wait is finally over
Three years is a long time to wait for the return of an airshow.
But on Sunday, 30 August, the wait will finally come to an end.
The return of the Rand Airport Airshow gives aviation enthusiasts another opportunity to see some of South Africa’s exciting aircraft and display pilots in action, while families can enjoy a day built around flying, entertainment and discovery.
More importantly, the event offers a chance to put aviation in front of a new generation.
The aircraft will provide the spectacle.
The pilots will provide the adrenaline.
The historic machines will tell stories of aviation’s past.
And the flight schools will offer a glimpse into what could come next.
After three years away, the message from Germiston is simple:
The skies are open again.
And on 30 August, they are going to be loud.
Get your tickets
Tickets are available through Quicket – Rand Airport Airshow 2026.
Sunday, 30 August 2026. Rand Airport. Be there when the airshow takes flight again.
