MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. – The “Air Capital of the World” is no stranger to planes, but its residents can expect an exciting spike in aerial activity in just a few weeks.
Team McConnell is preparing to hold the 2026 Frontiers in Flight Air Show and Open House Oct. 24-25, headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.
“The air show’s going to be a great time,” said Maj. Avery Larkin, air show director. “There’ll be so many people all concentrated together to appreciate all the wonderful things that our military, our first responders, and the aviation community do. I think it will be a great opportunity to both give back to the community and engage with the community.”
Gates open at 10:30 a.m. on both days, with performances taking place from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The air show will open with U.S. Air Force Wings of Blue, marking the first time McConnell has hosted parachutists for the air show since 2022. The Thunderbirds are slated to begin at 3 p.m.
The confirmed schedule for air show entertainment is below.
Aerial performers, in order of appearance:
U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue Parachute Demonstration Team
Scott Francis, flying an ultra high-performance MXS aircraft
Dual KC-135 and KC-46 flyover
Matt Younkin, flying a vintage Beech 18
Tom Larkin, flying a SubSonex Mini Jet
Brian Correll, flying a highly customized Aviat Pitts S-2S
U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds
Static displays:
B-29 Superfortress “Doc”
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II
Northrop T-38 Talon
Bombardier Global 8000
KC-46A Pegasus
KC-135 Stratotanker
F-35 Lightning II
C-17 Globemaster III
A-10 Thunderbolt II
The participation of all military aircraft remains dependent on operations.
This will be the final opportunity for visitors to see McConnell’s KC-135s take flight at the air show, as the base will be completing its transition to exclusively the KC-46 by summer 2027.
“I’m excited to see the team’s hard work pay off,” said 1st Lt. William Johnson, air show deputy director. “It’s been a big lift and a lot of work, but we’re excited to show the Wichita community what we have in store. We’re anticipating record numbers at this year’s air show.”
In addition to aviation, visitors will find various other attractions, ranging from ground vehicles such as tanks and super cars, to flight simulators and a family zone for kids. There will also be a STEM hangar with several exhibits.
“The STEM hangar will be really cool for kids, honestly for everybody,” Larkin commented. “I think it’s a great chance to learn about all of the tech, science and math that goes into aviation.”
Prior to the air show performances on Oct. 24, guests have the opportunity to participate in the Tanker Trot 5k, where participants will be able to run on the flightline past the static displays. The 5k begins at 9:30 a.m., and all who register will receive a t-shirt and early entry to the air show. Registration for the Tanker Trot closes Sept. 27. Individuals interested can register at [https://refuelmcconnell.com/tanker-trot/](https://refuelmcconnell.com/tanker-trot/).
As aviation enthusiasts, community members and guests gather for the air show, all are encouraged to be prepared for any sort of weather, bring water and arrive as early as possible to get a good parking spot.
Visitors can find more information at [https://frontiersinflight.com](https://frontiersinflight.com).