SPONSORED | Mpumalanga Airshow 2026: An aerial spectacle set to ignite the skies
From a high-speed race between a car and a helicopter to the Flying Lions' legendary sunset serenade and a pyrotechnic Tora Tora performance, the Mpumalanga Airshow promises to be spectacular.
Proudly sponsored by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, the highly anticipated Mpumalanga Airshow is ready to take flight on Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 – promising a full-throttle day of aviation thrills, family fun and gravity-defying stunts in the heart of the Lowveld.
On Friday, the skies and soundwaves align for “An Unforgettable Evening”.
This luxury event features a 30-piece orchestra under the baton of South Africa’s own musical virtuoso, Dr Paul van Zuilenburg. Hosted at the iconic Nelspruit Airfield, the night promises a refined atmosphere, complete with aerobatic displays, hot air balloons, fireworks, gourmet canapés and a cash bar.
Only a limited number of tickets are available at R500 per person for Friday, which include access to Saturday’s airshow.
This elegant event is not to be missed!
Gates open at 10:00 on Saturday, and visitors can enjoy over 100 food and lifestyle stalls, but the action truly kicks off at 15:00.
The program includes a dramatic formation fly-by, nine-ship formation with smoke, a powerhouse lineup featuring the daring gyrocopter with the iconic Puma Flying Lions, and an exciting high-speed helicopter and car race and display.
All eyes turn skyward as Skydiving South Africa delivers a jaw-dropping flag drop – a spellbinding series of aerial performances.
Highlights include the thrilling Kishugu/Working on Fire display, a helicopter formation with colour pyrotechnics, and aerobatics by the Extra 300.
The Flying Lions then take off again for their legendary sunset serenade and the explosive Tora Tora pyrotechnic performance.
As they land in formation for a mass shutdown, the field will transform into a glowing wonderland with hot air balloons rising as the evening darkens.
At 19:00, the sky erupts in colour with a spectacular fireworks finale, closing out the show with the same energy and spectacle that will define the entire day.
The program guarantees non-stop action, edge-of-your-seat stunts, and unforgettable family memories. Join us as we take Mpumalanga to new heights – literally.
