Special Olympics Airlift Takes Flight Nationwide; Dove 1 Arrives at St. Paul Downtown Airport (opens original article in a new tab)

The 2026 Special Olympics Airlift began with Dove 1 arriving at St. Paul Downtown Airport, marking the start of a nationwide effort to transport athletes and coaches using 130 aircraft and volunteer pilots. The initiative, now in its ninth year, has transported over 10,000 athletes and coaches to Special Olympics events.

• Approximately 130 aircraft and volunteer pilots are transporting over 800 Special Olympics athletes and coaches to the 2026 USA Games
• Dove 1, a Cessna Citation Latitude, arrived at St. Paul Downtown Airport as part of the nationwide airlift operation
• The Special Olympics Airlift, now in its ninth year, has transported over 10,000 athletes and coaches to Special Olympics events