Air Force Thunderbirds earn final certification to begin 2026 air show ...
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the “Thunderbirds,” earned their final certification for the 2026 air show season.
www.stripes.comHere’s the latest on USAF Thunderbirds based on recent public reporting:
- The Thunderbirds earned final show-season certification for 2026, clearing them to perform at public events across numerous locations for the year. This certification was issued by the Air Combat Command commander, enabling a full 2026 schedule.[2]
- Their 2026 season kicked off with appearances around March, including performances at Luke Air Force Base and other venues as part of a multi-location tour; the team flew with nine F-16s and a cadre of support personnel.[2]
- The Thunderbirds are continuing to travel to training sites and air shows, with public demonstrations designed to showcase the precision and professionalism of the Air Force’s aerial display team; their schedule is typically listed on official Air Force Thunderbirds pages and event calendars.[4]
If you’d like, I can pull the most up-to-date individual show dates and locations for the 2026 season and summarize any notable changes (e.g., new venues, special appearances). I can also provide a concise, event-by-event itinerary with times and locations.