MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Team McConnell hosted an annual State of the Base address for civic leaders to update the local community on the base’s accomplishments in 2024 and share plans for the future.
During the address, Col. Cory Damon, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, announced that the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline McConnell’s 2026 Frontiers in Flight Open House and Air Show, scheduled for Oct. 17-18, 2026.
The Thunderbirds last performed in Wichita during the 2022 air show at McConnell.
The Air Force’s premier aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds perform precision and aerial maneuvers displaying Air Force high-performance aircraft to people worldwide. The show involves a mix of precision formation flying and intense solo routines demonstrating the capabilities of Air Force pilots and the F-16 Fighting Falcons.
Over 65,000 visitors arrived on day one of McConnell’s last air show on Aug. 24, 2024. The show did not continue its second day after an unexpected wet microburst brought 54 mph winds and torrential rain, leaving debris strewn around the flightline and air acts unable to operate safely.
The base is looking forward to the milder October weather and a historically lower chance of precipitation during next year’s show.