Innsbruck stages National Day airport festival and open house
Monday 26th October 2026 on 07:30 in
Austria
Innsbruck is marking Austria’s National Day with an airport festival and public events at the provincial government building, ORF reports. The airport programme runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with displays, flying demonstrations and family activities.
Organisers expect a large turnout after about 25,000 people attended last year. Aircraft and helicopters will be displayed on the airport apron, including a Black Hawk helicopter and an AW169 “Lion” operated by the Austrian Armed Forces. A C-130 Hercules will fly over the grounds, two Eurofighters will appear in formation, and the Flying Bulls are also expected.
Throughout the day, pilots will demonstrate glider and model aerobatics. A motor glider will also take part, while a police helicopter will stage a firefighting demonstration. ORF Radio Tirol will provide entertainment. A shuttle will run between Kranebitter Allee and the airport grounds on Fürstenweg.
The Landhaus, a provincial government building, is opening to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can learn about politics and the provincial administration, meet politicians, and take guided tours of the provincial warning and situation centre and the Tirol control centre.
A family programme at Landhausplatz includes a demonstration by the Cobra Einsatzkommando and free health checks. This year’s National Day events focus on volunteering, with associations, emergency services and volunteer centres explaining their work in social services, sport, culture, and nature and environmental protection.
Visitors can also apply for passports and identity cards at a mobile office and have free passport photos taken. The province is offering help with setting up ID Austria, as well as information about housing and care subsidies and the FRIDA digital registration platform for childcare and early education.
The traditional Grand Tattoo ceremony was held on Landhausplatz on Sunday evening. Participants included members of the Austrian Armed Forces, Tyrolean rifle associations and music bands. The ceremony featured the Tyrolean Military Band, Navis Music Band and the 6th Mountain Brigade as the armed forces’ honour company, alongside other traditional groups.
At the ceremony, Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle said democracy must be defended anew by each generation. The Grand Tattoo tradition dates back nearly 400 years, when a drum signal in military camps announced the start of the night’s rest. The Austrian Armed Forces have continued the ceremony at military events, combining traditional melodies with historic Austrian military signals.