Air enthusiasts gathered at Melun-Villaroche airfield in France on September 5 and 6 for the 2026 edition of Air Legend, a major European aviation event dedicated to historic aircraft, military aviation and spectacular aerial displays. The eighth edition brought together more than 80 legendary aircraft, combining rare warbirds with historic transports, vintage jets and modern military aircraft.
Held around 40 kilometres southeast of Paris, Air Legend has become known for bringing aviation history close to the public. The 2026 programme featured aircraft representing different generations of aviation, creating a journey from the piston-engine era of the Second World War to modern fighter aircraft.
Among the headline aircraft were the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress, several P-51 Mustangs, the A-26C Invader, PBY-5A Catalina, Douglas DC-3 and F-86 Sabre. Modern aircraft also featured, including the French Mirage 2000D and Rafale Marine, adding a contemporary dimension to the historic programme.
The event was more than an aerial display. Visitors could explore the aircraft park, meet crews, attend presentations and experience aviation-themed activities on the ground. The combination of flying demonstrations and static displays gave enthusiasts an opportunity to see historic aircraft from close range while learning about their role in aviation history.
The Patrouille de France was also scheduled to appear on Saturday, adding another major highlight to the weekend’s programme. Air Legend’s organisers have historically combined warbirds, vintage aircraft and modern military aviation to create a broad representation of aviation heritage.
With its mixture of rare aircraft, historic storytelling and aerial performances, Air Legend 2026 once again demonstrated how aviation heritage can connect generations of enthusiasts. For aviation fans, the event offered a unique opportunity to see machines that helped shape military and civil aviation history while watching them take to the skies.