ATHENS FLYING WEEK 2025 – TANAGRA AIRBASE, GREECE

By Hans van der Wilt | GMAP.nl Team | September 2025

Every September, the clear blue skies above central Greece transform into a stage for afterburners, smoke trails, and sonic roars. For aviation enthusiasts, spotters, and military analysts alike, Athens Flying Week (AFW) at Tanagra Air Base has become a must-visit event.

This year’s edition, held on 6 and 7 September 2025, blending modern military muscle, classic warbirds, aerobatic flair, and a well-organized visitor experience. GMAP.nl was on location to bring you the full lowdown on what we saw, heard, and photographed.

📍 Location Check: Tanagra Air Base – Strategic and Scenic

Located about 70 kilometers north of Athens, Tanagra AB (LGTT) is the operational home of the Hellenic Air Force’s 114 Combat Wing, housing Greece’s Dassault Mirage 2000-5 and Rafale F3R fighters.
This makes it a prime location for an airshow that celebrates both national air power and international military cooperation.

The base offers wide-open aprons, excellent runway visibility, and expansive viewing areas — making it a good venue for aviation photographers and spotters.

📷 Tip for future attendees: the northeast corner of the spectator zone offers optimal sun angles from 10:00–14:00. Bring a 70–400mm lens for full coverage.

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A Global Gathering of Wings

From cutting-edge fighter jets to vintage warbirds, the skies over Tanagra were alive with motion and history. The event featured a small array of aircraft from across the globe:

France’s Rafale Solo Display wowed the crowd with its agility and raw power.
Saudi Arabia’s and Germany Eurofighters added to the international flair.

Greece’s own F-16 Zeus and T-6 Daedalus demo teams reminded everyone of the country’s proud aviation tradition, while the M-346 Block 5+ and the legendary F-4 Phantom showcased the evolution of air combat capability.
For fans of aviation history, the appearance of the Spitfire MJ755 and T-6 Harvard was a highlight. These beautifully restored aircraft offered a poignant contrast to the modern jets, reminding us of the legacy that today’s pilots carry forward.

Athens Flying Week isn’t just about fast planes—it’s about the full spectrum of flight. The show included:

Paraglider formations at sunset, painting the sky with graceful arcs.
Static displays featuring everything from RC aircraft to military helicopters.
Interactive exhibits and booths that brought aviation technology closer to the public.

The 2025 edition of AFW unfortunately had to do without demonstration teams. Firstly this was due to the fact that the Italian demonstration team “Frecce Tricolore” was celebrating it’s 65th birthday with an airshow at Rivolto in the same weekend; attracting many demonstration teams to celebrate along.
Secondly; the Saudi Hawks demo team (which was present at AFW in 2024) is currently converting to a new aircraft type, hence no displays were scheduled for 2025.

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🧳 Travel Tips for GMAP Readers

Planning a trip to AFW in 2026? Here’s what we recommend:

Stay in nearby towns like Inofyta or Chalkida for affordable options. Athens is doable, but expect long commutes.
Rent a car if you’re bringing gear; otherwise, shuttle services are fine for casual visitors.
Buy tickets early – especially VIP/spotter categories, which sell out fast.
Join the Friday “arrival day” if possible — many aircraft perform rehearsals and static zones are more accessible.