MOD-organised International Military Air Days (IMAD) 2026 airshow makes its debut at Piešťany Airfield

The Slovak Defence Ministry and Armed Forces have joined forces with other partners to host the debut International Military Air Days (IMAD) 2026, taking place at Piešťany Airport on 5 and 6 September 2026.

During the airshow, members of the public will be treated to a wealth of displays showcasing the thrill of the Slovak Armed Forces’ air and ground assets in action, as well as to engaging demonstrations of our Service personnel’s extraordinary work and skillsets.

IMAD26 will coincide with, and be immersed in the spirit of, Armed Forces Day (AFD), which the men and women of our Armed Forces observe and celebrate every year in September. Therefore, this large-scale public event will also see a full-day programme of entertainment and side events for the public. Admission to the event is free.

The Piešťany Airport complex will be open to the public from 09:00 am. The IMAD26 Opening Ceremony, featuring Slovak Armed Forces units proudly standing in formation as well as speeches from keynote speakers, is set for 11:00 am. A varied programme of activities that whole families with children can enjoy on a day out – including adventure attractions, interactive and educational displays, fun-filled activities, and a zone with food and drink vendors – has been prepared for the occasion.

The organisations working under the Slovak MOD’s remit and the service branches will set up display stands at the airshow, and the Armed Forces Recruitment Teams will be out there to connect and speak directly with potential recruits about military occupational specialties and career opportunities. Aside from these, a series of accompanying events will be organised by other government departments and ministries.

During the weekend, visitors can look forward to flying displays from the Slovak Air Force, including from F-16 Block 70 Fighting Falcon fighter jets and UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Also taking to the skies will be NATO air forces from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Spain.

In addition to thrilling air performances, visitors can get up close to the Zuzana 2 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs), tracked and wheeled platforms such as main battle tanks (MBTs) and infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), and Special Operations Forces (SOF) vehicles, and meet and interact with their crews.

Driving directions for IMAD26

The three main approach roads to Piešťany Airport will be provided with the Airshow direction signs to direct drivers from the major routes to the venue and car parks.

If coming from Bratislava, please exist the D1 motorway at Piešťany and follow the signposted route to the P1 parking area at the airport’s southern gate; if coming from Žilina, please exit the D1 motorway at Piešťany and follow Road I/61 to the P2 parking area at the airport’s northern gate; and if coming from Radošina, please take Road II/499 or Road II/507 to the P1 parking area at the airport’s southern gate.

Due to the expected high visitor turnout, visitors are encouraged to think about their journey in advance and allow extra time for their arrival. All visitors are kindly reminded to respect the instructions of Police and Military Police officers on their way and those of the organisational team upon arrival at the parking areas.

Make use of free public train transport and shuttle buses

Provided free will be passenger rail services on the national rail network, operated by Railway Company Slovakia (ZSSK), from any location in Slovakia to Piešťany. Passengers can get a ticket at the ZSSK ticket offices across the country or directly on the trains – use the event password: "IMAD26". Tickets will be issued to passengers without any fee.

Free shuttle buses will be available for visitors at 30-minute intervals in both directions in the city, on the route from Piešťany Polyclinic via Winter Stadium, Nitrianska Street/Aupark Centre, Piešťany Bus Station and Horný Cintorín to Piešťany Airport, starting from 07:30 am on both days.

Security arrangements in place

Visitors are advised to arrive well in advance as they will be subject to security checks, including to baggage searches, on entry. Organisers therefore recommend bringing only the essentials to ensure the security checks go as smoothly as possible.

The Ministry of Defence is pleased to invite members of the public to come from across Slovakia and join together for IMAD26 and AFD26 at Piešťany Airport on 5 - 6 September 2026. Eyes to the sky – let’s make this an unforgettable festival of flight and a celebration of this year's national Armed Forces Day!