Duxford’s Chippie Coup
It’s 9th May, the opening weekend of the UK’s 2026 airshow season and I’m fairly sure we’ve already seen the highlight of the year.
Duxford’s VE Day Flying Day kicked things off with a relatively small event, featuring several resident warbirds alongside an eye-catching gathering of 22 de Havilland Canada Chipmunks to mark the type’s 80th anniversary. Among them were three Portuguese Air Force Chipmunk Mk20s making an exceptionally rare public appearance, and for me, the likely standout participants of the entire 2026 season.
These are incredibly rare aircraft, and the effort required to get them to Duxford shouldn’t be underestimated. Now in their 75th year of service, it’s believed this marked the first time Portuguese Chipmunks have ever appeared at an international event. Even at home, public appearances are scarce, typically limited to open days at their base Base Aérea 1 at Sintra, near Lisbon. Just six remain in service, all operated by Esquadra 802 ‘Águias’, primarily as glider tugs for the Air Force Academy’s Schleicher ASK-21s, as well as providing a cost-effective platform for initial pilot screening.
Their journey to Duxford was no small feat. The trio spent four days transiting through Spain and France, with Duxford as their tenth and final stop, arriving late on Thursday 7th May. A ground support van shadowed the entire 2,320km journey. Despite that, the Portuguese crew were out with the aircraft all day Friday preparing for a 6pm display validation, held after the IWM had closed, as Military Aviation Authority regulations prohibit validations with the public on-site (unless, as RIAT has manages, a waiver is granted). It made for another long day for the crew, immediately followed by Saturday’s show, where the three-ship flew a routine crafted especially for the Duxford event.
If that wasn’t enough, the return journey proved even tougher. On day four of their trip home, poor weather in San Sebastián forced a diversion back to Biarritz, where they remained until Monday 18th. The Chimpunks finally returned home on Wednesday 21st May.
Credit must go to everyone involved in bringing the Portuguese Chipmunks to Duxford - this ranks as one of the most impressive participant efforts we’ve seen at a UK event in years. Sadly, it’s also likely to be a one-off. With the Tecnam P-Mentor set to replace the Chippies in Portuguese Air Force service, a return visit seems highly unlikely.
We’re only two weekends into the 2026 season, but Duxford - and the Portuguese Air Force - have set the bar incredibly high. It’s going to take something truly special for another show to top that Chippie trio… but let’s see.
