FAI World Air Games Canceled

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Originally scheduled for fall 2022 in Turkey, the next edition of the FAI World Air Games has been canceled and a replacement venue or date has not been reported. According to the FAI, “The Turkish Aeronautical Association (THK), which had been awarded the organisation of the event, asked the FAI to postpone the Games until 2025, due to the current difficult economic situation in Turkey. Following this request, the FAI Executive Board, after consultation with the Air Sports Commission Presidents, took the decision to cancel the 2022 Games rather than postponing them.”

What’s more, the event appears to be more than merely postponed. “The Board further announced that the Federation will undertake an overall review of the FAI World Air Games concept and format before deciding on any future edition of the Games,” said the FAI. According to FAI President Bob Henderson, “This has not been an easy decision to make. However it has been taken with all interests at heart and with a long-term and strategic view. The FAI World Air Games is the flagship event of the Federation and, as such, we must make sure that it be held in optimal conditions. The FAI will take this opportunity to discuss internally the future of the Games taking all FAI stakeholders’ best interests in consideration. Since the start, the FAI, including the FAI Office and the Sports Commissions, has been working hard on the preparations for the event with our esteemed Member THK. We are grateful to our Turkish friends and thank them for all their efforts.”

The World Air Games have been held four times so far: in Turkey in 1997, Spain in 2001, Italy in 2009 and Dubai in 2015. Competition within the WAG includes “Aerobatics, Aeromodelling, Drone racing, Gliding, Indoor Skydiving, and Paragliding.”

Marc Cook
KITPLANES Editor in Chief Marc Cook has been in aviation journalism for more than 30 years. He is a 4000-hour instrument-rated, multi-engine pilot with experience in nearly 150 types. He’s completed two kit aircraft, an Aero Designs Pulsar XP and a Glasair Sportsman 2+2, and currently flies a 2002 GlaStar.

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