Military aircraft, warbirds, general aviation pilots and others descended on Lakeland Linder International Airport in Lakeland, Florida, this month for Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, one of the largest air shows in the U.S.
The event transforms the airport, normally the 100th-busiest in the U.S., into the busiest for one week each year.
Sun ‘n Fun 2025, the event’s 51st year, saw record visitors at more than 200,000 attendees—so many that on the show’s final weekend, the event was sold out in advance.
The event also allowed for an early kickoff of the Aviation Week 2025 Photo Contest. Photographers were invited to a free seminar called “Shoot to Win,” where they received tips on technique, strategy and equipment from professional photographer Erik Kuna as well as information on what the judges look for as they review entries and an overview of the contest’s rules from Photo Contest Director Mike Lavitt.
This gallery features photos taken at Sun ‘n Fun and submitted to the Aviation Week Photo Contest. See last year’s winners, editors’ picks and special galleries at AviationWeek.com/photo-contest.