From July 25 to August 2, 2026, the Chambley Planet’Air airfield will host the inaugural edition of Chambley Air Passion. More than just an airshow, the event aims to become Europe’s premier gathering for light aviation and a meeting point for ultralight pilots from across the continent.
A new aviation event
For nine days, Chambley Planet’Air will come alive with aircraft departures, pilot gatherings, and aerial activities. With Chambley Air Passion, organizers are introducing a new format that differs significantly from traditional airshows focused on a few hours of flight demonstrations.
The objective is clear: to put Chambley back on the map of major European aviation events and transform the airfield into a vibrant destination where pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and the general public can gather from morning to evening.
“We want to create a true aviation gathering—a place where people come to fly, connect, discover new things, and share a common passion,” the organizers explain.
Bringing together every aviation discipline
The event will showcase the full range of aviation activities based at Chambley. Fixed-wing ultralights, weight-shift trikes, gyroplanes, powered paragliders, sailplanes, paragliders, skydiving, model aviation, and hot-air balloons will all be featured throughout the week.
Mass hot-air balloon launches at sunrise and sunset are expected to be among the highlights of this first edition. Flight demonstrations and aircraft presentations will also help shape the daily program.
Visitors will have access to exhibition areas, the opportunity to get up close to aircraft, and the chance to interact directly with pilots and crews. Flight simulators, educational workshops, aviation training exhibits, and introductory activities will allow attendees to immerse themselves in the world of aviation.
Military units, fire and rescue services, and the French Gendarmerie will also participate by showcasing their equipment and missions.
Making Chambley the summer’s rremier ultralight gathering
Beyond attracting the general public, Chambley Air Passion is primarily designed for pilots themselves. The Lorraine airfield offers several unique advantages: extensive infrastructure capable of accommodating a large number of aircraft, ample parking and camping areas, favorable airspace, and a central location in the heart of Western Europe.
Throughout the event, crews arriving by ultralight aircraft will be able to park on-site, take part in activities, and experience the event from within the aviation community. Organizers hope to create a genuine hub for light aviation enthusiasts.
Within aviation circles, some are already referring to the concept as a future “French Oshkosh” dedicated to European light aviation. The comparison reflects the ambition to recreate a major pilot gathering where camaraderie is just as important as flying itself.
The Ultimate Air Challenge: the event’s centerpiece
The highlight of the inaugural edition will undoubtedly be the official start of the Ultimate Air Challenge 2026, scheduled for August 1 following several days of qualifying rounds held at Chambley.
This European ultralight competition is based on an original concept inspired by offshore yacht racing. Teams must reach sixty checkpoints spread across more than twenty European countries while choosing their own routes.
Navigation, weather management, fuel consumption, regulatory requirements, and strategic decision-making will all be critical factors for competitors hoping to win.
Thanks to a real-time tracking system, spectators at Chambley will be able to follow competitors’ progress throughout the challenge.
A catalyst for regional development
Beyond its sporting and entertainment value, Chambley Air Passion is also intended as a regional development initiative. The event aims to highlight the capabilities of the Chambley Planet’Air facility, attract visitors from across the Grand Est region and neighboring countries, and promote aviation careers and training opportunities.
In a region that hosts relatively few major public events during the summer season, organizers hope to establish the gathering as a permanent fixture on the event calendar. The presence of the Ultimate Air Challenge immediately gives the event a European dimension and international visibility.
A bold vision
With Chambley Air Passion, the Lorraine airfield is doing more than launching another aviation event. It is openly pursuing the goal of becoming, for nine days, the place where Europe’s pilots most want to gather.
As a crossroads, meeting place, and showcase for light aviation, Chambley may well host in the summer of 2026 the event that the French-speaking ultralight community has been waiting for for many years.