SANFORD, Fla. – The Orlando Air Dot Show, scheduled to take place this weekend at Orlando Sanford International Airport, has been canceled due to the federal government shutdown and the withdrawal of U.S. military participation.
According to event organizers, producers explored the feasibility of moving forward with an all-civilian lineup, but “dramatically increased public safety costs for this year’s event made it impossible to proceed responsibly without military participation.”
The big draw for 2025 was going to be the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstration team.
[MORE SHUTDOWN NEWS BELOW: Fears of delays at Orlando airport]
According to the Orlando Air Show, ticket holders for this weekend’s canceled event will receive an email outlining several options to defer their tickets to 2026.
Refunds will also be possible, the event said.
Organizers have already announced dates for the 2026 show, saying it will take place Oct. 3-4.
The government shutdown is in its fourth week.
On Tuesday, Senate Republicans met with President Donald Trump at the White House and called on Democrats to pass the spending bill necessary to reopen the government.
[VIDEO BELOW: Orlando travelers prepare for shutdown delays]
Democrats, however, said they won’t budge until Republicans address health care concerns, which include extending Affordable Care Act subsidies and reversing cuts to Medicaid.
Republicans say those changes would provide free health care to illegal immigrants.
Trump also rejected Democrats’ request for a meeting, saying he would “love” to meet with them but only if they reopen the government.
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