Two major aviation events cancelled in the Netherlands

For 2021, aviation enthusiasts will be disappointed as two major aviation events are cancelled.

On 9 November 2020, the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force) officially announced that the exercise Frisian Flag 2021 is cancelled. The main reasons are the current COVID-19 pandemic and the R2IOC (Initial Operational Capability) for the Dutch F-35A Lightning IIs.

Two days later, on 11 November 2020, the KLu announced that also its Open Day 2021 at Gilze-Rijen air base (the Netherlands) will not go ahead as originally planned. The main reason for cancelling the event is again the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic. This year's event for the Koninklijke Landmacht (Army) was also cancelled.

Next to the above, many major exercises at home and abroad with international participants have been cancelled. The KLu has not been able to acquire important training value in the recent period. As soon as this is possible again, participation in major exercises has priority.

Photos: Frank Crebas and Ministry of Defence