Just across the river from Strasbourg, the quiet town of Kehl in Germany is preparing for several days of aerial displays, family activities and a rare chance to watch French Rafale fighter jets perform close-up – all without buying a ticket.
Free airshow just across the Rhine
The “Kehler Flugtage” – Kehl Air Days – will take place from 19 to 22 June at the local aeroclub, a short hop from Strasbourg. The event is free to attend and designed as a relaxed, open-air festival of aviation rather than a high-security military base show.
Organisers are putting the focus on Franco-German friendship, with civilian pilots, local clubs and the French Air and Space Force all sharing the same small airfield. Families can walk around the site, watch take-offs from a few dozen metres away and chat with enthusiasts.
The Kehl Air Days run from 19–22 June at the Kehl aeroclub and are free of charge for visitors.
Rafale jets from “Vautour Bravo” set to steal the show
The headline attraction this year comes from the French Air and Space Force: two Dassault Rafale fighter jets from the demonstration patrol known as “Vautour Bravo”. These twin-engine multirole aircraft are normally seen blasting from frontline air bases or huge international shows, not small town aeroclubs.
The Rafales are scheduled for dynamic flight demonstrations on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June, between 3pm and 4pm. The aircraft will depart from Kehl aeroclub, perform their routines, then head on to Luxeuil Air Base, about 140 kilometres away.
Rafale demonstrations are planned on 21 and 22 June, in a one-hour afternoon slot between 3pm and 4pm.
For spotters and aviation fans, this is a rare chance to see the Rafale performing tight turns, rapid climbs and high-speed passes in the relatively low-key setting of a general aviation airfield.
Key dates and times for Rafale fans
- Friday afternoon: reconnaissance flight in the Kehl area
- Saturday 21 June: Rafale demonstration between 3pm and 4pm
- Sunday 22 June: Rafale demonstration between 3pm and 4pm
- Saturday evening: pilot meet-and-greet at the Kehl aeroclub
A reconnaissance flight scheduled for Friday afternoon will allow crews to familiarise themselves with the local terrain and approach paths. For residents, that may be the first hint of what is coming: the deep roar of afterburners rolling over the Rhine valley.
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Meet a Rafale pilot at the aeroclub
Beyond the roar and spectacle, the event also aims to create direct contact between the public and the military crews. On Saturday evening, one of the Rafale pilots will be present at the aeroclub to chat with visitors, answer questions and talk about flying one of Europe’s most advanced combat aircraft.
These informal meet-and-greet sessions are usually very down-to-earth: pilots explain their training path, what daily life on a base looks like, and how missions are planned. Children often bring models or posters to sign, while older aviation nerds turn up with technical questions about engines, radar and g-loads.
A Rafale pilot will be available on Saturday evening to speak with visitors, aviation fans and local residents at the Kehl aeroclub.
What kind of airshow can visitors expect?
The Kehl Air Days are closer to a village festival with aircraft than to a huge commercial show with grandstands and VIP boxes. Access is free, and visitors can typically move around the aeroclub, see light aircraft up close and watch an ongoing programme of displays across the long weekend.
While the Rafale duo will attract attention, organisers usually offer a mix of activities that appeal to different audiences, for example:
- Static displays of light aircraft and gliders
- Local pilots performing aerobatics with small propeller aircraft
- Introductory information stands from flying clubs and air cadets
- Food and drink stalls with French and German specialities
- Family-friendly areas with shaded seating and simple activities for children
The event sits literally on the border: Strasbourg is minutes away on the French side, and Kehl is a short tram ride or drive from the Alsatian capital. That helps draw a mixed crowd of French and German visitors, reinforcing the cross-border theme.
Noise, safety and what locals should know
Some residents may be surprised by the sudden appearance of fast jets over the Rhine. The reconnaissance flight on Friday and the demonstrations on the weekend will bring short bursts of intense noise as the Rafales accelerate or climb.
Events like this are coordinated with both French and German air traffic control. Demonstrations are limited to specific time slots, and pilots fly planned routines that factor in nearby towns, terrain and safety corridors. Organisers recommend people who are sensitive to loud noise, and pet owners, to be aware of the announced time windows.
| Aspect | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Noise | Loud during Rafale demos (3–4pm on 21–22 June), quieter at other times |
| Access | Free entry at Kehl aeroclub, subject to on-site safety rules |
| Security | Controlled access to aircraft zones, stewards and safety marshals on site |
| Families | Recommended to bring hearing protection for children during jet displays |
Rafale in plain language: what makes it special
For many visitors, “Rafale” is just a name they have heard in the news. The aircraft is a twin-engine, delta-wing fighter built by French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. It can perform air defence, ground attack and reconnaissance missions, which is why it is often called a “multirole” fighter.
The jet is known for its agility. Its design allows it to pull tight turns at high speed and climb rapidly, which makes it ideal for airshow demos. When you see a Rafale pulling steep vertical climbs, those moves are not just for show – they reflect manoeuvres it could use in real combat to evade threats or engage targets.
The “Vautour Bravo” team is a demonstration patrol within the French Air and Space Force. Its role is to showcase the aircraft’s capabilities to the public and to partner nations, but also to spark interest in aviation careers among younger generations.
Tips for making the most of the Kehl Air Days
For people thinking about crossing over from Strasbourg or travelling from further away, a bit of planning can make the experience smoother. Crowds tend to peak around the Rafale time slots in mid-afternoon, so arriving earlier in the day can help with parking and getting a good viewing spot.
- Bring ear protection, especially for children, during the jet displays.
- Pack water, hats and sunscreen, as shade can be limited around small airfields.
- Check local public transport options between Strasbourg and Kehl if you prefer to avoid traffic.
- Be ready for short waiting times near the fence, as access can be controlled for safety during displays.
Families who want a calmer experience can focus on the quieter parts of the programme, such as glider demonstrations, visits to static aircraft and the pilot meet-and-greet in the evening once the noise has died down.
From local curiosity to gateway into aviation
For some visitors, an event like this is simply an unusual weekend outing. For others, it can be the first real contact with aviation and the armed forces. Flying clubs often use these days to present trial flights, training options and scholarships, especially for teenagers looking for career ideas.
Spending just a few hours at an aeroclub makes abstract things much more concrete: the smell of fuel, the sight of engineers checking tyres and control surfaces, the briefing rooms where pilots sit down with maps and weather charts before taking off. Watching the Rafale is one part of the show; seeing how a small aerodrome operates is another window into a sector that often seems closed from the outside.
For people living near Strasbourg and Kehl, the Air Days are also a reminder that large, complex aircraft movements usually follow strict patterns. When residents notice low-flying jets on those specific dates, they can link the noise to a scheduled, supervised display rather than to unexplained activity. That understanding tends to calm concerns and sometimes even creates a quiet pride in seeing frontline aircraft overhead, if only for a weekend.