The famous Goodyear Blimp was spotted in the El Paso area, leaving many wondering why the airship was hovering over the borderland.
Many shared images of the iconic blimp moving its way across the sky on Wednesday, Aug. 13, including Santa Teresa Middle School, which appeared to capture the airship flying near the school’s parking lot.
While it’s unclear why the Goodyear Blimp was flying in our region, the tire and rubber company announced in January that it was celebrating its 100th anniversary by making appearances through more than 100 cities across North America and Europe.
El Pasoans encountered the Goodyear Blimp only a few months ago, according to a post from Fit Fam El Paso, when video captured the icon flying over Paisano Drive and West El Paso in May 2025.
Here’s more on the Goodyear Blimp and where you can track its next destination.
History of the Goodyear Blimp
Goodyear Blimp pilot Faith Rascon-Ryn keeps a safe distance from the Goodyear Blimp as she offers media members an upclose look at the blimp at Topeka Regional Airport on Aug. 5, 2025.
Goodyear’s journey into aviation began in 1910 with the creation of its Aeronautics Department, leading to the first balloon in 1912, according to its website.
In 1919, Goodyear introduced its first non-commissioned airships, including the Wingfoot Air Express and Pony Blimps, and in 1925, Goodyear introduced Pilgrim, the first helium-filled non-rigid airship.
Today, the Goodyear Blimp icon is served by four blimps. One is based in Europe (in Germany), while the three other airships operate out of bases in the U.S.: Pompano Beach, Florida, Carson, California, and near Akron, Ohio — the home of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.
Goodyear Blimp is celebrating 100th anniversary
Through the years, the blimp has appeared at the Olympics and the first Super Bowl. It’s also been featured in famous songs, movies and television shows, generated millions of dollars for charities and communities, and even aided the U.S. military effort during World War II.
Goodyear is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025 by flying to more destinations and events across the globe, the company said in a news release.
How to follow the Goodyear Blimp
The possibility of watching the Goodyear blimp soar overhead makes kayaking at Wingfoot Lake State Park in Portage County extra fun. The blimp hangar is adjacent to the lake.
The Goodyear Blimp has its website with scheduled events and appearances, as well as an Instagram, Facebook, and X account.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on Twitter; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
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This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Goodyear Blimp spotted over El Paso as 100th anniversary tour rolls on
