Space Coast Honor Flight Returns to MLB

Published on March 23, 2026

Crowd waving American flags cheering Space Coast Honor Flight veterans as they walk through Melbourne Orlando International Airport

Space Coast Honor Flight (SCHF) and Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) are preparing for an exciting 2026 season with five Honor Flight missions departing from the Space Coast’s hometown airport. Each flight will send local veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice before returning home to community Welcome Home celebrations at MLB.

The first mission of the year will take place April 11, 2026, and will be sponsored by Melbourne Orlando International Airport. MLB will also host the popular Welcome Home celebrations for each return flight, inviting the community to gather inside the terminal to honor the returning veterans.

Space Coast Honor Flight provides veterans with an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., offering a day of remembrance, reflection, and camaraderie before returning home to a hero’s welcome on the Space Coast.

Each celebration begins with the Red, White & You Pre-Flight Party, where the terminal comes alive with live music, food and beer trucks, giveaways, and patriotic energy as supporters gather ahead of the veterans’ arrival.

Throughout the 2026 season, each Welcome Home celebration will feature a different local band, adding to the festive atmosphere leading up to the evening’s highlight. The lineup includes Panama on April 11, Andrew Rickman & The No Pressure Band on May 16, The Last Call Band on June 13, Hot Pink on September 12, and Phoenix on October 17.

As the evening builds toward the main event, supporters gather with flags and signs for the Walk of Honor, cheering as veterans make their way through the terminal to thunderous applause and heartfelt appreciation.

The 2026 Honor Flight missions and their flight sponsors include:

April 11, 2026 – Flight sponsored by Melbourne Orlando International Airport
May 16, 2026 – Flight sponsored by Mederi Caretenders Hospice
June 13, 2026 – Flight honoring Wil & Ed Montminy
September 12, 2026 – Flight sponsored by The Employees Community Fund of The Boeing Company
October 17, 2026 – Flight sponsored by Northrop Grumman

Together, these flights and celebrations create some of the most meaningful moments on the Space Coast each year. From early morning send-offs to unforgettable evening homecomings, each mission brings together veterans, families, volunteers, and community supporters who share a deep appreciation for the men and women who served our nation.

SCHF and MLB encourage residents across the region to attend the Welcome Home celebrations and help give these veterans a memorable homecoming. Community organizations interested in bringing large groups can access a sharing kit at www.mlbair.com/honorflight with resources to help promote the event and organize participation. Additional flight details and event updates are also available at that link.