PHOTOS, VIDEO: Spectacular Budapest air show wows visitors

Fighter jets, transport and combat helicopters, training aircraft, and the Hungarian Defence Forces’ massive cargo planes dominated the skies above downtown Budapest today, thrilling large crowds with a spectacular air display over the Danube.

Budapest’s air show is a time-honoured tradition

The August 20 air shows over the Danube in central Budapest have long been a highlight of the country’s national holiday celebrations. The very first such show was staged further afield, in Rákosmező, back in 1912. Since the 1960s, however, these displays—organised by the Hungarian Defence Force—have become a firmly established tradition, held in the skies near the Parliament. This year’s event once again took place between the Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge.

Who flew in the show?

• Fighter jets, including Swedish-manufactured Gripens. Four of these are currently deployed to protect Baltic airspace and recently intercepted Russian aircraft.