The 2025 Wings Over Houston air show, which year after year brings the best of aviation to Ellington Airport (KEFD) in Texas, did not disappoint, despite some significant absences.
Due to the government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1 and lasted until Nov. 12, 2025, no military aircraft were at the Oct. 18-19 air show, including the headlining Thunderbirds, the aerobatic squadron of the U.S. Air Force.
While many were disappointed by the absence of the armed forces and their aircraft, thanks to a great effort and well-executed arrangements in the final hours to ensure a good show, the organizers surprised everyone by announcing the first-ever appearance of an aircraft of its kind at a Texas air show: None other than the Boeing 777-200 from United Airlines.
Nathan Thompson, a Houston aviation photographer who has attended the show since 1987, expressed his awe at seeing this giant of the skies perform at Wings Over Houston, mentioning that “this was a new demonstration in Houston and the first for the 777-200.”
“Seeing the 777 in full test was incredible,” he said. “That low pass with a 45° climb was impressive.”
As the icing on the cake, the only two Boeing B-29 Superfortresses in the world — “DOC” and “FIFI” — also made their first-ever appearance at the Houston show. The display astonished attendees, recreating a scene rarely seen before. The last time the two flew together was EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024.
Kicking off the air show was a performance by experienced aerobatic pilot Mike “Spanky” Gallaway in his Extra 300s, delivering an amazing display of high-flying aerobatics.
Next up was William Presler in his chrome-plated TTP-38 Lightning, a unique, homemade, 2/3 scale model of a P-38 Lightning.
He then gave way to two Aero L-39 Albatroses, the famous jet trainer aircraft, which showcased the impressive capabilities of both the planes and their pilots.
The Vietnam War Flight Museum, which is based at KEFD, along with its founder, Rick Sharpe, also had a brilliant showing, both in their display of warbird aircraft and in flight.
For example, the museum showcased a PZL-Mielec Lim-6, the Polish version of the Soviet MiG-17, painted in the colors of the communist regime.
Sharpe, for his part, flew the legendary Douglas TA-4J “Skyhawk,” performing multiple low passes in front of the spectators.
As is customary at this show, a handful of classic aircraft, along with the “Tora! Tora! Tora!” group, recreated the attack on Pearl Harbor with pyrotechnics. P-51 Mustangs, T-6 Texans, B-13 Vultees, Douglas B-26 Invaders, and Curtiss Helldivers were the stars of this warbird display.
While the Air Force has already confirmed the Thunderbirds’ participation in the 2026 show, organizers note they are working diligently to find solutions should any unforeseen circumstances arise. They want to ensure they maintain the show’s prestige as one of the most important air shows in the country and, arguably, the most important in Texas.
The 2026 show is slated for Oct. 31-Nov. 1.
For more information: WingsOverHouston.com
More Photos From The Show
A a member of the Wings Over Houston board for several years, I was very pleased with your reporting of the 2025 Air Show. After many years of being on the board, I stepped down this past December. As a part of the show I also had the great opportunity to fly a CAF Vultee BT-13 in the “Trainers on Parade” segment in the past.
Rich Welsh
Not a Zero….