EAA AirVenture 2026: Breaking Records in the Sky
The skies over Oshkosh, Wisconsin, have never been busier. EAA AirVenture 2026 has officially set a new all-time attendance record, drawing approximately 734,000 visitors — a 4.3% increase over the previous record of 704,000 set in 2025. Enthusiasts from 98 countries converged on Wittman Regional Airport for what is billed as the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.
The numbers behind the show were equally staggering. More than 10,000 aircraft arrived at Wittman and surrounding east-central Wisconsin airports, with Wittman alone logging 15,527 aircraft operations — averaging roughly 101 takeoffs and landings per hour during open hours. A jaw-dropping 2,851 showplanes were on display, including 1,346 vintage aircraft, 875 homebuilt aircraft, and 360 warbirds.
A record 1,021 commercial exhibitors set up shop on the grounds, while the EAA Aviation Foundation’s annual Gathering event raised a record $2.85 million to support aviation education. The event is estimated to have generated a remarkable $257 million in economic impact across five Wisconsin counties. EAA CEO Jack Pelton noted that next year’s AirVenture is already set for July 26–August 1, 2027.
Source: WSAW — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 Sets All-Time Attendance Record