Sunny weather, spectacular flight displays and a cheerful atmosphere attracted more than 3,000 visitors to the West Avia Air Show & Fly In at Seinäjoki Airport on Sunday, 9 August. The family-friendly event offered an exciting mix of aviation experiences, entertainment and quality time together.
The weather was ideal for the event, and throughout the day Seinäjoki Airport filled with aviation enthusiasts of all ages. Visitors came not only to see the aircraft and enjoy the world of aviation, but also to spend a pleasant summer day together with family and friends.
In the sky, the audience enjoyed flight displays featuring a variety of aircraft, while there was also plenty to see and experience on the ground. Visitors had the opportunity to get up close to aircraft and other equipment, as well as learn more about recreational aviation, aircraft technology, drones and safety operations.
The excitement of children and families was especially visible throughout the event area. Seeing aircraft up close, watching the action in the sky and experiencing the lively atmosphere of the airport offered memorable moments that are not part of everyday life.
Originally scheduled for July, the event was postponed until August due to poor weather conditions, as there was no willingness to compromise on the safety of pilots or the public. The new date proved to be an excellent choice: the weather was favourable and visitors turned out in large numbers.
There was plenty to see and enjoy throughout the day at the West Avia Air Show.
Over 3,000 visitors and a cheerful atmosphere
The West Avia Air Show & Fly In was organised by the South Ostrobothnia Aviation Club (Etelä-Pohjanmaan Ilmailukerho ry), which is based at Seinäjoki Airport. For the organisers, the turnout of more than 3,000 visitors and the cheerful atmosphere throughout the day were a great indication of the widespread interest in aviation.
– The South Ostrobothnia Aviation Club would like to thank everyone who attended the event. We had a great turnout, and you could see the joy on the faces of the spectators. Overall, the event was a great success, says Heikki Ala-Mursula, Chairman of the South Ostrobothnia Aviation Club.
The Air Show, which attracted more than 3,000 visitors, demonstrated the widespread interest in aviation. Looking ahead, the West Avia Air Show is intended to play an important role in the continued development of flight operations at Seinäjoki Airport.
The Fly In, held in conjunction with the event, also brought pilots and aircraft to Seinäjoki from across Finland. The day brought together dedicated aviation enthusiasts as well as families and other visitors experiencing an air show for the first time.
Minister of Defence Häkkänen visited the event in his free time
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen was also among the visitors at the event, attending the West Avia Air Show in his free time.
Häkkänen was already familiar with Seinäjoki Airport and the development of West Avia. He visited the airport in November 2025, when he was introduced to the West Avia concept and its future plans, including the development of a testing environment for unmanned aviation.
During his visit to the Air Show, Häkkänen highlighted the level of activity at the airport and commented that it was great to see such active operations taking place there.
Events bring the airport closer to the community
The West Avia Air Show is first and foremost a public event where the whole family can enjoy aviation in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. At the same time, the event plays a role in the long-term development of Seinäjoki Airport and West Avia.
One of West Avia’s development goals is to strengthen and diversify flight operations at the airport. Events such as the Air Show increase awareness of Seinäjoki Airport, attract new visitors to the area and bring together pilots, aviation enthusiasts and other people involved in the aviation sector.
The aim is to ensure that Seinäjoki Airport continues to host active flight operations and a variety of aviation events in the future. The West Avia Air Show provides an excellent meeting place for this.
The successful event was made possible by the combined efforts of the organisers, performers, partners, volunteers and, above all, the thousands of visitors who came to enjoy the day.
Watch the video from the event
video: tuukka kiviranta
Elisabet Kivimäki
Asiakkuuspäällikkö, Into Seinäjoki
