Official Statement: SIAF 2026 International Air Days Cancelled

The Slovak Aviation Association (SLA) regrets to announce that the country’s premier aviation event, the International Air Days SIAF 2026, will not take place at Košice Airport as originally scheduled.

On April 21, 2026, we received a formal notice from Letisko Košice – Airport Košice, a.s., withdrawing their previously granted approval to host the event. The airport cited security risks, heightened safety protocols, the necessity of protecting critical infrastructure, and a projected increase in commercial flight operations. Furthermore, the airport management has decided not to host any large-scale public events on airport grounds or the immediate vicinity through the end of 2026. Consequently, we have no choice but to accept this decision.

Impact of the Decision

This cancellation comes at a time when preparations were in an advanced stage following months of intensive planning, international negotiations, and contractual commitments to domestic and foreign partners. The organizing committee is now forced to retract invitations and cancel the confirmed participation of NATO partner air forces. We are also in the process of notifying all affected diplomatic missions, partner institutions, and signatories of the Memorandum of Cooperation.

"We deeply regret that, despite our excellent cooperation in 2025 and months of rigorous preparation, SIAF 2026 cannot proceed at Košice Airport as planned. We will keep the public, our partners, and aviation enthusiasts informed regarding our next steps in due course," stated Hubert Štoksa, Director General of MLD SIAF 2026.

A Proven Foundation for SIAF 2026

In 2025, in collaboration with Košice Airport and the Košice Region, we successfully organized the Letecké dni Košického kraja. The cooperation was professional and maintained the highest safety standards, proving that Košice possesses the necessary infrastructure and capacity to host a top-tier international airshow. Based on this success, Košice Airport issued written consent on October 30, 2025, for the hosting of SIAF 2026 on September 5–6, 2026.

Since Autumn 2025, our team has achieved several key milestones:

• Global Outreach: Official invitations were dispatched in December 2025 to NATO air forces and the Slovak Republic’s security forces.

• Negotiations with Al Fursan: At the time of the cancellation, we were in active talks with the prestigious Al Fursan aerobatic team (UAE). Their return to Slovakia would have been a major highlight of the flying display.

• Confirmed International Participation: Just prior to the withdrawal of consent, we received official confirmations from the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the French Air and Space Force (intending to deploy an Airbus A400M) and the Squadron of the Ministry of Interior were also confirmed. Discussions were in advanced stages with Spain, Austria, the UK (including interest from the Red Arrows), Italy, Czechia, and Poland.

• Strategic Partnerships: On January 27, 2026, a formal Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Košice Self-Governing Region, the Technical University of Košice (Faculty of Aeronautics), the Slovak Technical Museum, and the SLA.

• Diplomatic Engagement: The SIAF 2026 project was presented to ambassadors and representatives from 15 nations, including the USA, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and several other European partners.

The vision for SIAF 2026 was to transform Košice into a European hub for aviation—a weekend defined by emotion and technical excellence. The program was designed to bridge the past and future of flight.

The day preceding the airshow was set to feature the "Aviation of the Slovak Republic, Košice 2026" conference. This platform was intended to bring together academics, military experts, and industry leaders to discuss the current challenges facing Slovak aviation.

"That same evening, Košice was to host the Golden Wings – National Aviation Award of the Slovak Republic," explained Hubert Štoksa. "Since 2015, this has been the highest honor in our industry, recognizing the best pilots, technicians, and scientists. This year, one of the most poignant nominations was for the crews of the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Defense for their heroic repatriation flights from the Middle East, bringing Slovak citizens home from conflict zones."

"White Albatrosses" Returning Home

One of the most anticipated moments was to be the 35th-anniversary celebration of the Biele albatrosy (White Albatrosses)—the legendary Košice-based military aerobatic team. To honor them, we secured the Baltic Bees Jet Team, who fly the L-39 Albatros—the same airframe used by the original Slovak team. A highlight of the flying display was to feature a formation flight of the Baltic Bees over Košice with former White Albatrosses pilots on board—a symbolic homecoming for the squadron, returning to the city where its legend was born.

A Word from the Director

"It is difficult to find the words to describe this moment. In 2024, we worked for months on SIAF Malacky, only for it to be cancelled by the Ministry of Defense without dialogue. It was a crushing blow, both economically and personally. Yet, we did not give up. Košice welcomed us with open arms. We rebuilt trust with ambassadors, air forces, and sponsors. We had a story to tell—the return of the White Albatrosses and a tribute to the pilots who risked everything in the Middle East. To have the rug pulled out again, just as the German Air Force confirmed their participation, is heartbreaking. I do not say this with anger, but with the pain of someone who has dedicated his life to the belief that an airshow is more than just a spectacle—it is proof of our national pride and capability. I am not giving up on SIAF. Aviation has taught me one thing: if an engine fails, you look for a backup. And I will always find a backup."