Lorraine Williamson
Spectators at Gijón’s annual airshow were left stunned on Sunday when a Spanish Air Force F-18 fighter jet performed a sudden evasive roll just metres above the packed sands of Playa de San Lorenzo.
Caught on video and quickly circulating online, the near-vertical manoeuvre looked dramatic. However, it was, in fact, a textbook response to an unexpected hazard.
The incident occurred during the Festival Aéreo de Gijón. This is one of northern Spain’s most anticipated summer events, drawing thousands of onlookers to the city’s coast. Among the highlights were aerobatic displays from the military and civil aviation teams. This included helicopters, Canadair water bombers, and Spain’s elite 15th Wing.
As the F-18 dived toward the bay in a planned stunt, a sudden flock of birds appeared in its trajectory. Rather than continue along the original path — which risked a collision — the pilot instantly veered right. This meant rolling the jet sideways in a sharp climb that brought it alarmingly close to the beach.
Footage of the jet sweeping low above beachgoers shows a moment of collective breath-holding, followed by gasps and cheers as it shot skyward once more.
Standard protocol, high-stakes environment
According to the Spanish Air Force, the manoeuvre was a precise application of flight safety protocol. Bird strikes — particularly involving large species like gulls or cormorants — pose a serious threat to jet engines. One misjudged second can result in catastrophic engine failure or worse.
“The pilot acted exactly as trained,” the Air Force posted on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that the aircraft sustained no damage and that no one on the ground was ever in danger.
Social media buzz and professional praise
The heart-stopping moment was shared widely across social platforms, with many users praising the pilot’s quick reflexes and skill. While some expressed concern over how close the jet came to beachgoers, aviation experts defended the operation as both necessary and impressively handled.
This year’s event featured contributions from across Spain’s aviation services. But it wasn’t the first time bird interference disrupted an airshow. Earlier this year, at the Aire25 display over the Mar Menor, a Eurofighter suffered canopy damage after a direct bird strike. That incident left the pilot injured and ended the aircraft’s participation.
Calls for greater airshow safeguards
Following the Gijón incident, organisers confirmed they are reviewing flight zone protocols. Future editions of the festival may include enhanced bird control measures, such as drones, deterrents, or scheduled flyovers by bird-scaring units ahead of military displays.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson reiterated confidence in the safety systems already in place, noting that pilots undergo intensive training to handle unexpected threats — including wildlife.
Lessons from a close call
What began as a pulse-raising moment of aerial acrobatics turned into a sobering reminder of the risks involved in live airshows. While the crowd walked away impressed and unscathed, the F-18’s narrow dodge over Gijón’s shoreline reinforced both the skill of Spain’s military pilots and the unpredictability of nature.
As interest in public aviation displays continues to grow, balancing spectacle with safety will remain a top priority for organisers.
Sources: 20Minutos, Cadena Ser