The Paris Air Show

The Paris Air Show, officially titled the International Paris Air Show, is the world’s longest running aerospace exhibition and one of the most influential events in global aviation. Held every two years at Paris Le Bourget Airport, the event brings together aircraft manufacturers, operators, regulators, technology providers, and aviation professionals from across commercial, business, and defense aviation.

Since its move to Le Bourget in the mid twentieth century, the Paris Air Show has evolved into a permanent fixture of the international aviation calendar. Each edition reflects the operational realities, regulatory environment, and industry priorities of its time, making the event a living record of aviation history rather than a single moment in time.

Why the Paris Air Show Matters to Aviation Operations

The Paris Air Show consistently reshapes aviation operations across the Paris region. Temporary airspace restrictions, daily flying display windows, accreditation requirements, parking constraints, and access controls affect aircraft movements at Paris Le Bourget and surrounding airports.

Business aviation activity increases significantly during the event period. Operators must plan for dynamic conditions that evolve daily through official aeronautical publications and NOTAMs. These recurring operational patterns make the Paris Air Show a critical planning consideration for crews, dispatchers, and operators flying into France during show years.

Paris Le Bourget Airport and the Show Environment

Paris Le Bourget Airport is the exclusive host airport of the Paris Air Show and the primary business aviation airport serving Paris.

IATA LBG

ICAO LFPB

Coordinates N 48° 58.2′ E 02° 26.5′

Elevation 220 feet

Fuel Jet and Jet A1

Time zone Central European Time with daylight saving observed

During each Paris Air Show edition, Le Bourget operates under special procedures that typically include temporary suspension of movements during flying displays, mandatory aircraft and crew accreditation, and controlled parking zones within the airport perimeter.

Operational characteristics vary by edition but follow consistent structural principles shaped by safety, security, and airspace capacity.

Paris Air Show Updates by Edition

Each edition of the Paris Air Show reflects the operational conditions, regulatory environment, and aviation priorities of its time. While the core character of the event remains consistent, the way it impacts flight operations, airspace management, and airport access evolves with every show.

The most recent Paris Air Show appears first, followed by earlier editions. Each entry captures the conditions that defined that specific event without repeating core background information, allowing this article to serve as a continuous record of how the Paris Air Show has unfolded over the years.

Paris Air Show 2025

The Paris Air Show 2025 takes place at Paris Le Bourget Airport in June. Temporary prohibited and restricted airspace zones are established around the airport to support daily flying displays and heightened security requirements.

Aircraft and crew accreditation is mandatory for all operations during the show period. Flight plans are required for most arrivals and departures. Daily suspension windows apply during aerial demonstrations, with precise timings confirmed through NOTAMs issued shortly before activation.

Operational coordination extends beyond Le Bourget. Adjustments to runway usage and airspace access at Paris Charles de Gaulle are implemented to manage regional traffic flow during peak activity periods.

Paris Air Show 2019

The 2019 edition introduced multiple temporary restricted areas around Paris Le Bourget, including structured activation windows designed to accommodate flying displays while maintaining airport accessibility.

The airport remained operational during most activation periods, with arrivals and departures subject to slot coordination rather than full closures. Additional airspace measures affecting the wider Paris region were implemented and confirmed through AIRAC publications and NOTAMs.

Paris Air Show 2017

The 2017 Paris Air Show reinforced the importance of early operational planning. Accreditation and prior permission were mandatory for all arriving aircraft regardless of participation status.

Daily airport closures occurred during demonstration windows, restricting arrivals and departures for defined periods. Parking restrictions applied within designated demonstration zones, while other parking areas remained accessible. Operational details were updated daily through official NOTAMs.

Earlier Paris Air Show Editions

Earlier editions of the Paris Air Show established many of the operational principles that continue to define the event today. These included the introduction of demonstration driven airspace restrictions, structured accreditation systems, and coordinated use of alternate airports across the Paris region.

As the event grew in scale and complexity, each edition contributed to the operational framework now associated with the Paris Air Show, reinforcing its role as both a showcase of aerospace innovation and a recurring aviation operational challenge.