During aircraft flight, the buildup of supercooled water droplets on aircraft’s surface would severely compromise flight safety. De-icing technology is crucial for enhancing the safety performance of aircraft, in which, piezoelectric de-icing technology offers advantages in terms of low energy consumption and straightforward structure. This paper provides an overview of aircraft de-icing techniques based on piezoelectric ceramics and composites, categorized by their physical principles and operating frequencies. The principles and advantages/disadvantages of low-frequency piezoelectric resonance and high-frequency ultrasonic de-icing are explored, evolution of piezoelectric materials in de-icing systems is summarized, pros & cons and scope of application of traditional lead-based and lead-free piezoelectric ceramics are evaluated, and future application of flexible piezoelectric composites in aircraft de-icing are anticipated. It was deduced that the fabrication of high-power piezoelectric ceramics and high-function piezoelectric composites would be the main research area in aircraft de-icing. This paper provides ideas in improving aircraft de-icing technology.