The skies over Oshkosh, Wisconsin, were filled with more than just aircraft during the 2025 edition of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025—they were filled with energy, passion, and record-breaking numbers. With the theme “One Week – Endless Possibilities,” this year’s event lived up to its billing and then some, delivering a historic experience for aviation enthusiasts from around the globe.
EAA AirVenture 2025 drew approximately 704,000 attendees, surpassing the previous record of 686,000 set in 2024. EAA CEO and Chairman Jack Pelton credited this milestone to the spirit and dedication of the organization’s massive support network. “We found ourselves revising our initial attendance estimate upward once all the final weekend’s numbers were in, including from a tremendous day on Saturday, July 26,” said Pelton. “This year’s success is a credit to our 6,000 volunteers, our staff members, and our partners as they continue to raise the bar on what’s possible as we bring the aviation world to Oshkosh.”
More than 10,000 aircraft flew into Wittman Regional Airport and surrounding airports in east-central Wisconsin. Wittman itself saw 16,246 aircraft operations between July 17–28—an average of 108 takeoffs or landings per hour during open hours. Among the 2,543 showplanes were 995 vintage aircraft, 910 homebuilt aircraft, 361 warbirds, 101 ultralights and light planes, 75 aerobatic aircraft, 74 seaplanes and amphibians, 18 rotorcraft, and 9 balloons.
EAA AirVenture continues to be more than just an air show—it’s a community. More than 15,000 camping sites were filled by aircraft and drive-in campers, welcoming over 40,000 visitors who immersed themselves in the weeklong celebration of flight.
The backbone of AirVenture remains its volunteer workforce. In 2025, approximately 6,000 volunteers donated nearly 300,000 hours to keep the operation running smoothly and safely. The EAA Aviation Foundation’s Gathering event was another shining moment, drawing over 1,000 attendees and raising $2.49 million to support aviation education and grow the next generation of aviators.
AirVenture 2025 also hosted 962 commercial exhibitors, an all-time high. Attendees had access to more than 1,600 forums, workshops, and presentations held at 65 different venues—underscoring EAA’s commitment to aviation innovation, education, and engagement. The event’s global reach continued to expand with 2,305 international visitors officially registered at the International Visitors Tent from 94 countries, including the first recorded attendee from Senegal. With many international attendees choosing not to register formally, the actual number is likely significantly higher. The media coverage was global as well, with 901 journalists from six continents documenting the spectacle.
EAA’s digital engagement reached unprecedented levels. Social media content reached over 21.2 million people, with 20.3 million video views—a 19% increase over 2024. Engagement topped 2 million interactions, and EAA gained nearly 44,000 new followers during the event. The local economy reaped major benefits, too. A University of Wisconsin Oshkosh study estimated the event’s economic impact at $257 million across five counties: Winnebago, Outagamie, Fond du Lac, Calumet, and Brown.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Jack Pelton remarked, “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. This year’s highlights and activities also set the foundation for what’s to come in the world of flight, and that is perhaps the most exciting development of all.”
As EAA begins planning for AirVenture 2026, which will take place from July 20 to 26, Pelton added, “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 updates and more information, visit www.eaa.org/airventure.
