Residents of Prague are in for a rare sight as the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows join Czech Air Force Gripens for a special formation flight across the city.

The flyover, scheduled for Thursday, September 18 at 3:00 p.m., will see the jets soar directly above Charles Bridge with smoke trails marking the occasion.

The Czech Army confirmed on Tuesday that the jets will arrive from Leipzig and link up with two Gripens once inside Czech airspace.

Together, the twelve-aircraft formation will approach Prague from the north, regroup in an arrow formation over Václav Havel Airport, and test colored smoke effects before circling west of the capital.

From there, the jets will follow the Vltava River south to north, passing directly over Charles Bridge in one of the most striking views the city has seen in years.

After flying over the historic center, the formation will head toward Kbely before continuing on to Mošnov in Moravia for NATO Days and the Czech Air Force Days at Leoš Janáček Airport.

According to Jan Tvrdík of the Czech Army Air Forces Command, who is coordinating the flyover, such a display is extremely uncommon. “A flight over Prague is already rare, and flying directly over Charles Bridge is truly exceptional,” he noted.

The jets are expected to fly at an altitude of around 300 meters, following strict safety protocols. While the sound of fighter aircraft will be noticeable, the army emphasized that the noise will be brief.

Red Arrows in Europe

The Red Arrows are one of the world’s most recognized aerobatic teams, often appearing at major national and international events.

Earlier this year, they flew over London during Victory in Europe commemorations and performed over Rome during a British royal visit.

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