After four years, AirFest flies back into MacDill
February 10, 2022 - After a four-year hiatus, Tampa Bay AirFest returns to MacDill Air Force Base on March 26-27. Due to budget cuts, the Department of Defense limited the once annual event to every other year. Officials canceled AirFest in 2020 due to Covid. Admission and parking are free, and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will again entertain the crowds with their aerial stunts. Over 150,000 attended the last AirFest, held in 2018. This year’s event occurs just six months before the 75th anniversary of the Air Force, and in honor of the occasion, Gen. Mike Minihan will make an appearance. Minihan is a four-star general and oversees the Air Mobility Command. AirFest will also showcase the new KC-46A Pegasus refueling aircraft, along with demonstrations from the F-22 Raptor. The Raptor is the Air Force’s latest stealth tactical fighter and one of the most advanced and powerful fighters in the world.