EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 Sets New Attendance Record and Milestones
OSHKOSH, WI (OnFocus) — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 concluded with record-breaking attendance and participation, reaffirming its status as the world’s largest annual aviation gathering. Organized by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the event drew an estimated 704,000 attendees—an all-time high, surpassing the previous record of 686,000 set in 2024.
EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton commented on this year’s success:
“Our theme of ‘One Week – Endless Possibilities’ certainly was true at Oshkosh in 2025. Whether it was aviation history or innovation or camaraderie, it was present in countless ways during the week.”
The 2025 event, held July 21–27, brought more than 10,000 aircraft to Oshkosh and surrounding airports in east-central Wisconsin. At Wittman Regional Airport alone, there were 16,246 aircraft operations between July 17 and July 28, averaging 108 takeoffs or landings per hour during active periods.
Showplane totals (2,543):
- 995 vintage aircraft
- 910 homebuilt aircraft
- 361 warbirds
- 101 ultralights and light planes
- 75 aerobatic aircraft
- 74 seaplanes and amphibians
- 18 rotorcraft
- 9 balloons
More than 15,000 camping sites hosted over 40,000 visitors on-site. Nearly 6,000 volunteers contributed approximately 300,000 hours to support operations throughout the week.
Commercial exhibitors: 962 (record)
Educational programming: Over 1,600 forums, workshops, and presentations at 65 venues.
Digital engagement:
- Social media reach: 21.2 million people
- Video views: 20.3 million (up 19% from 2024)
- New followers: Nearly 44,000
International guests: 2,305 registered from 94 countries, including a first-time visitor from Senegal. Actual international attendance is likely higher due to unregistered visitors.
The Gathering: EAA Aviation Foundation fundraiser drew over 1,000 attendees and raised $2.49 million to support aviation education.
Media coverage: 901 accredited media representatives from six continents.
Economic impact: $257 million across five counties in the Oshkosh region (based on 2024 study by University of Wisconsin Oshkosh).
Looking ahead to next year, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 is scheduled for July 20–26, 2026.
Said Pelton: “There is never a shortage of ideas from EAA members, AirVenture attendees, our partners, and from inside our own volunteer corps and staff. We’ll take a little time to enjoy this year’s accomplishments but will soon start planning for next year’s edition of The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.”
For ongoing updates and details, visit www.eaa.org/airventure.
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Author: News Desk
This piece was posted by our news team! Contact us or submit stories at [email protected].
