Slovak International Air Fest will not take place this year due to epidemiological risk
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- Date: 02.06.2020
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The Slovak International Air Fest (SIAF) will not take place this year. The reason for cancelling the 10th jubilee edition of the SIAF airshow is the potential epidemiological risk presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď and Director of the Slovak Aviation Agency/Organiser of the Slovak International Air Fest Hubert Štoksa said at a press conference at the Ministry of Defence today (2 June 2020).
Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: "Despite the fact SIAF is among the largest cultural and social events in Slovakia every year, safety must come first. 100,000 people gathered at one point for the event is a risk far too great to be taken with regard to any potential deterioration of the epidemiological situation and the second wave of coronavirus. That is why, although we are sorry for that, we are forced to cancel this year's edition on preventive grounds."
As Director of the Slovak Aviation Agency/Organiser of the Slovak International Air Fest Hubert Štoksa added, a six-hour programme as a replacement for the cancelled airshow will be streamed online on 29 August 2020, the day SIAF was supposed to take place. "For me, the Slovak International Air Fest is absolutely close to my heart. Most importantly, we have a commitment towards our aviation fans and enthusiasts. We are, therefore, preparing a professional studio where guests, whether they be military, civilian or aerobatic pilots, will be invited to join in," he explained. The on-line programme will offer SIAF's highlights of aerial displays and iconic moments from 2011 to 2019. According to the Director of the Slovak Aviation Agency, the event will be available online to viewers for free.
On this occasion, the Minister expressed hope and his full support for the organisation of SIAF in the years to come. "I trust we can reckon with SIAF next year, because it offers an excellent opportunity for presenting the capabilities and assets of our Armed Forces and Allied armed forces. Last but not least, it is a huge contribution to regional economy," he said. Looking into the future, as the Defence Minister he will do his utmost to make sure that the MOD, the main SIAF partner, lends strong support to the event.
Changes will affect SIAF next year too. Different alternative venues for the airshow are being offered up for consideration, since Sliač Air Base is expected to undergo substantial refurbishment and air traffic will be halted for a few years. One option is to move the event to Kuchyňa Air Base, however, this won't be possible until and unless its refurbishment has been completed, as recently approved by the SVK Government.
Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď said: "Despite the fact SIAF is among the largest cultural and social events in Slovakia every year, safety must come first. 100,000 people gathered at one point for the event is a risk far too great to be taken with regard to any potential deterioration of the epidemiological situation and the second wave of coronavirus. That is why, although we are sorry for that, we are forced to cancel this year's edition on preventive grounds."
As Director of the Slovak Aviation Agency/Organiser of the Slovak International Air Fest Hubert Štoksa added, a six-hour programme as a replacement for the cancelled airshow will be streamed online on 29 August 2020, the day SIAF was supposed to take place. "For me, the Slovak International Air Fest is absolutely close to my heart. Most importantly, we have a commitment towards our aviation fans and enthusiasts. We are, therefore, preparing a professional studio where guests, whether they be military, civilian or aerobatic pilots, will be invited to join in," he explained. The on-line programme will offer SIAF's highlights of aerial displays and iconic moments from 2011 to 2019. According to the Director of the Slovak Aviation Agency, the event will be available online to viewers for free.
On this occasion, the Minister expressed hope and his full support for the organisation of SIAF in the years to come. "I trust we can reckon with SIAF next year, because it offers an excellent opportunity for presenting the capabilities and assets of our Armed Forces and Allied armed forces. Last but not least, it is a huge contribution to regional economy," he said. Looking into the future, as the Defence Minister he will do his utmost to make sure that the MOD, the main SIAF partner, lends strong support to the event.
Changes will affect SIAF next year too. Different alternative venues for the airshow are being offered up for consideration, since Sliač Air Base is expected to undergo substantial refurbishment and air traffic will be halted for a few years. One option is to move the event to Kuchyňa Air Base, however, this won't be possible until and unless its refurbishment has been completed, as recently approved by the SVK Government.
