Councillors To Decide If NI Airshow Returns In 2026

Causeway Coast and Glens councillors are set to decide whether the Northern Ireland International Airshow will take place in 2026.

A report to the council’s Leisure and Development Committee next week outlines two options: to schedule the event for the preferred dates of 5th and 6th September 2026, or to defer it to 2027 or beyond.

The estimated cost of staging the airshow, last held in September 2024, is around £400,000. Officers say planning typically requires more than 12 months and covers areas including the air display programme, ground infrastructure, insurance, STEM activities, and marketing.

Council had considered combining the airshow with Armed Forces Day in June 2026, but this is no longer possible as the Red Arrows will not be available that month.

The report notes that previous scheduling of the event in early September was designed to extend the summer season and allow cost-sharing with Ayr.

Councillors will be asked to consider the two options and make a recommendation.