General-admission capacity for the Wings Over Houston air show has been reduced for 2026, leaving limited tickets remaining for the annual event.
The two-day air show takes place Saturday and Sunday at Ellington Airport in Houston. Organizers cite their goal of providing “a high-quality, enjoyable Airshow experience” for attendees and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds returning in 2026 as factors in the reduced capacity.
“To maximize comfort, general admission capacity has been reduced by almost 30%,” according to the Wings Over Houston ticketing website. “Because of the ‘See a Jet Team Fly – Guarantee!’ redemptions from 2025, nearly half of the 2026 air show tickets are already claimed.”
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were scheduled to perform during the 2025 event. However, due to the government shutdown in October 2025, the unit was not able to attend the show.
Organizers offered a “See a Jet Team Fly – Guarantee!” ticket in 2025 that gave buyers a chance to see the Thunderbirds in 2026.
“This year’s air show is expected to sell out before Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 because of the reduced number of tickets available,” according to the organization’s website.
Saturday’s business class and photo pit are sold out. As of Monday morning, there are 85 Saturday Family Chalet tickets, 89 Saturday prime view reserved seats, 169 Saturday Eagle Squadron VIP and 696 general-admission tickets.
“Our primary reason for restricting ticket sales is to ensure a high-quality, enjoyable air show experience for all attendees, regardless of the type of ticket you purchase. And it starts with parking and traffic,” according to the organization.
All tickets must be purchased online or on a mobile device. No tickets will be sold at the gate. A Saturday general admission ticket is $72.14 online for an adult ticket. Sunday’s ticket is $60.03 for an adult ticket.
The Freedom 250 F-5s are a four-jet team created by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The jets are painted in a commemorative red, white and blue scheme, and one will be on display for an up-close look, according to a news release on the event.
The air show includes hours of aerial performances, plus vintage and modern aircraft on display and interactive areas for all ages.
The event is hosted by the Commemorative Air Force Wings Over Houston Airshow and presented by volunteers from the Houston Wing, Gulf Coast Wing and Tora! Tora! Tora! of the Commemorative Air Force.
The Lone Star Flight Museum, Collings Foundation-Houston and the Vietnam War Flight Museum also support the air show.