Porto, June 19, 2026 (Lusa) - The organisers estimate that Air Invictus will attract around one million visitors to Porto, Gaia, Maia and Matosinhos between Friday and Sunday, and expect the three-day event to generate an economic return of over €100 million.

“Expectations are very positive. Air Invictus aims to establish itself as a leading international event in the fields of aviation, innovation, technology, sport and entertainment, offering a unique experience to the public and promoting the region that hosts it,” the organisers said in a statement sent to the Lusa news agency.

The organisers are expecting “three days of high attendance, with a varied programme capable of attracting audiences of different generations and interests, thereby consolidating the northern region as a venue for major international events”.

Between Friday and Sunday, the organisers expect the air show to bring “around one million visitors” to the Greater Porto area over the three days of the programme, spread across the municipalities of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Maia and Matosinhos.

The organisers explain that this is an estimate based on the scale of the event, its geographical spread, the diversity of the programme and the strong appeal of the scheduled shows.

The organisers maintain that Air Invictus represents a unique opportunity to promote the northern region internationally and reinforce its position as a tourist, cultural and business destination.

“According to projections presented by the Faculty of Economics at the University of Porto, the economic impact associated with the event could exceed €100 million, with benefits felt in sectors such as the hotel and catering industries, retail, transport and services,” the organisers said.

In addition to the direct economic impact, the event, according to the organisers, constitutes an important platform for the international promotion of the region, helping to raise its profile amongst visitors, investors and the national and international media.

Looking to the future, the organisers are committed to ensuring that Air Invictus continues and establishes itself as a leading international event.

“The evaluation of this first edition will naturally be crucial in determining the next steps, but the interest shown by various organisations and countries reinforces our conviction that the project has the potential for growth and internationalisation,” they point out.

Air Invictus will be attended by several international delegations who will follow the event on the ground, to learn about its organisational model and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

The organisers noted that some of these organisations have expressed an interest in hosting or replicating the concept in their own countries, “which demonstrates the event’s relevance and potential for international reach”.

“The organisation’s focus is currently on delivering an outstanding first edition, but we believe the conditions are in place for Air Invictus to continue and establish itself as an international brand in the coming years,” the organisers said.

Nine years after the Red Bull Air Race planes competed over the River Douro, the excitement is now returning with Air Invictus.

Alongside the aerobatics and races featuring the world’s best pilots, there will be a parade of classic and contemporary civilian and military aircraft, music, and a drone show, totalling 15 events.

The official ceremony is scheduled for 6.30 pm today at the CEiiA in Matosinhos.

Over the weekend, alongside the competition, the skies over the Douro will host a ‘performance’ by national and international pilots specialising in aerobatics.

The Portuguese Air Force will be present with historic aircraft from various eras, some of which will be on display on the riverbanks in Porto and Gaia.

There will also be concerts, DJ battles and plenty of aerial entertainment along the riverbanks of Porto and Gaia.

At Maia Aerodrome, starting today, Expo Air Invictus will feature an exhibition of civil and military aircraft, as well as activities and demonstrations.

JGS/ADB // ADB.

Lusa