In September, the skies above Hechtel-Eksel once again came alive during the 45th edition of the International Sanicole Airshow. It remains one of Europe’s most enjoyable aviation events, bringing together history, technology, and passion in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
This year’s show celebrated several themes, including the 65th anniversary of Italy’s Frecce Tricolori, 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, and a special tribute to women in aviation. The Frecce Tricolori were one of the main highlights, delivering a spectacular anniversary display with their trademark precision and the colors of the Italian flag. Other memorable performances included the Czech Air Force JAS-39 Gripen solo display and the beautifully restored Avro Anson Mk I “Faithful Annie” — the only airworthy example of its kind in the world.
The weather started off nicely in the morning, offering good light and clear skies. As the day went on, however, the conditions gradually became greyer, and the strong backlight made it quite a challenge to capture well-exposed photos. Still, that’s part of the charm of airshow photography — adapting to the light and making the most of every opportunity.
Despite some weather-related program changes later in the day, Sanicole once again proved why it’s such a beloved event. From the friendly crowd to the impressive flying displays, it offered a great mix of excitement and atmosphere that keeps drawing visitors year after year.
My full photo gallery from the show is now online:
Sanicole Airshow 2025
