A massive blow for the Gold Coast, with confirmation this year’s Pacific Airshow has been cancelled.
Organisers broke the disappointing news a short time ago, revealing they’ve had to make the tough call due to the ongoing impacts of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“Our team is devastated to be forced to cancel Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2025, but it’s the right thing to do for everyone and the long-term restoration of the beach,” Airshow Director Kevin Elliott said.
“Big surf, high tides and unusually persistent rainfall since the cyclone have created a perfect storm of events that has been detrimental to recovery efforts.
“It’s been one step forward, two steps back with beach sand replenishment, even though the City of Gold Coast has been putting all its efforts into returning the beach to its picture-perfect best with ships, trucks, pumps and the lot.
“Our extensive modelling shows that in light of the recent erosion caused by the king tides and massive swell, the sand just won’t be there for a safe spectator experience at the scale Pacific Airshow requires.
“After looking at every option – changing dates, moving to another spot on the Gold Coast – we couldn’t find a way to keep our community safe without compromising the show either in the air or on the ground, and neither of those were acceptable outcomes for us.
“In light of all available information and after reviewing the recent state of Surfers Paradise Beach, making the decision to cancel this year’s event timely and decisively is the responsible path”.
Photo: Supplied
The much-loved event, which drew a crowd of 400,000 last year, was due to hit the skies of Surfers Paradise from August 15-17.
It was tipped to generate $33 million in overnight visitor expenditure.
Organisers have vowed to bring the event back to our shores next year, promising an even bigger and better show.
“The Pacific Airshow team are Gold Coast based and are committed to delivering an extraordinary experience. People come to be entertained, have the ultimate party on the beach, see amazing aircraft and spend time with family and friends, all with their feet in the sand,” Mr Elliott said.
“The number of tickets sold during the pre-sale this year more than doubled the numbers sold for 2024, so we’re extremely grateful to our PA family and hope they will stick with us through this setback.
“We’re happy to reveal we will be back next year Bigger, Faster & Louder from 14 to 16 August 2026.”
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said while disappointed, it’s the “right decision”.
“It’s been a tough decision for the Pacific Airshow team but we must ensure the airshow maintains the incredible standards it has achieved over the past two years,” Mayor Tate said.
“Beach recovery works continue but we cannot guarantee this section of coastline will be ready to welcome 200,000-plus people in August so it is the right decision.
“Through our partnership with Code Four and the State Government, we have created one of the biggest family-oriented events in Australia. The Airshow will be back in 2026 and I have no doubt the program will be worth the wait”.
Those who have already purchased tickets to this year’s event are being assured refunds are currently underway.
