U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds take to Rochester skies for practice runs ahead of weekend airshow
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Roaring jet engines echoed across Monroe County today as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds conducted practice flights over Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) in preparation for the 2026 Rochester International Airshow.
The practice sessions offer a preview of the main event scheduled for Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday, August 9th, where the Thunderbirds will headline alongside military and civilian aerial performers, including the USMC F-35B and the U.S. Army Golden Knights.
Airport authorities and local officials remind residents and visitors to plan ahead for temporary road closures and traffic delays surrounding the airport through the weekend:
* Temporary closures will affect portions of Paul Road, Old Beahan Road, Patriot Way, Milstead Way, Avion Drive, and Wiedner Road.
* Access to Airport Way south of the roundabout will be temporarily restricted during Thunderbird flight windows.
* All spectator parking is off-site via shuttle buses.
Gates for the airshow open at 9:30 AM on both Saturday and Sunday, with flying demonstrations beginning at approximately 10:30 AM.
GSL News will continue providing updates on weekend traffic patterns and full event coverage.
