COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Air Show organizers announced the initial lineup for next year.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline the show when it returns to Rickenbacker International Airport from Aug. 22 through Aug. 24.
The Blue Angels fly F/A-18 Super Hornets in formations as close as 18 inches apart and at speeds up to 700 mph. The group previously headlined the Columbus Air Show in 2023.
Tickets can be bought here.
Below is a list and description of other performers for the 2025 show:
U.S. Marine Corps C-130J Hercules "Fat Albert"
The massive C-130J Hercules transport aircraft -- affectionately known as “Fat Albert” – provides support for the roughly 60 Blue Angels demo team members by transporting its 35,000 pounds of cargo and will perform aerobatic maneuvers for the Columbus audience.
Ohio ANG KC-135s
For more than 60 years, the KC-135 Stratotanker has served as the primary aerial refueling aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft worldwide.
P-51 Mustang
While the Tuskegee Airmen flew a variety of planes during the war, the most famous Tuskegee Airmen, those from the 332nd Fighter Group, are best known for flying the redtail P-51 Mustang with its distinct tail color. The P-51 featured in the Columbus show, “By Request,” flies in air shows across the country to honor, educate and remind all of us about the determination of the Tuskegee Airman, stationed at what is now Rickenbacker International Airport between 1946 and 1949, to overcome obstacles in patriotic service of their county during WWII.
F-5 Tiger
Since its initial flight in 1963, the F-5 is one of the most enduring military aircraft designs ever introduced and continues to serve four decades later. The F-5 is an agile, highly maneuverable, and reliable supersonic fighter, combining advanced aerodynamic design with incredible engine performance.
Team Titan
Flying their four North American AT-6 Texan single engine advanced aircraft, the Titan Aerobatic Team is one of the most decorated demonstration performing acts in the air show circuit.
Melissa Burns
Melissa is a professional aerobatic pilot, display skydiver, and B.A.S.E. Jumper. In 2006, at 22 years old, Melissa became the youngest female member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team in its history. Melissa has held numerous skydiving records including the Fastest Woman in the World, and today she travels with her team performing for air show audiences worldwide.
Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car
With a Westinghouse J34-48 jet engine that is used in a T-2A aircraft, the Smoke-n-Thunder car with driver Bill Braack tops out at speeds approaching 400 mph and regularly races propeller and jet driven aircraft.
Battlefield Europe
Air Show attendees will be transported back in time with the sights and sounds of warfare in Europe with restored replica tanks, infantry reenactors and close air support fighter aircraft from WWII. The reenactment provides audiences with a window look into a European theater battlefield during the Allies’ heroic invasion of Normandy.
Wall of Fire - Firewalkers Pyro
The Firewalkers Pyro Team delivers its pyrotechnics performance at air shows nationally and around the world. Through the use of high explosives, gasoline, and fireworks, Firewalkers Pyro produces pyrotechnic displays choreographed with flight teams and ground performers.
Maverick and Ice
Ice and Maverick impersonators from the movie Top Gun will be strolling throughout the air show all weekend to mingle with guests and pose for pictures.
