Pacific Airshow 2026 is ready for take-off with tickets now on sale
The Pacific Airshow is set to return to the GC in August 2026.
What’s happening?
Following Cyclone Alfred disrupting plans earlier this year, the Pacific Airshow is set to return in 2026, with August 14, 15 and 16 announced as the dates for next year’s event.
And, for the first time, tickets have been released before Christmas and are on sale now.
Why it matters
The event is a major drawcard for locals and visitors, bringing aviation displays, ground entertainment and major crowds that support Gold Coast businesses by injecting tens of millions of dollars into the local economy over the few days.
Zoom in
The 2026 event is set to bring new spaces and updates across the precinct, with the Garden Bar adding beachfront hospitality, Private Cabanas and Private Chalets returning for groups, Beach Club and The Oasis remaining popular shared zones, and kids enjoying the NXTGN STEM LAB and a refreshed Kids’ Zone.
By the numbers
The airshow will run across 14, 15 and 16 August 2026, delivering three full days of flying displays and on-sand entertainment.
The event is forecast to create around 129,000 direct visitor nights, giving hotels and local operators a major trade event
More than $32 million will be injected into the GC’s economy, underscoring the Pacific Airshow’s local economic impact
270,000 people attended last year’s event, with even more predicted for 2026
Tickets are on sale now and start from just $40, with private cabanas starting from $14,850
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What They Said
Airshow Director Kevin Elliott said the comeback is a major moment.
“After the devastation of Cyclone Alfred, we are thrilled to announce Pacific Airshow’s triumphant return on 14, 15 and 16 August,” he said.
“Our aim has always been to bring new experiences to the event each year that eclipse the expectations of our audience and we have plenty of exciting new additions planned for 2026 to stoke even more excitement.”
Kevin Elliott also highlighted the focus on families.
“We’re excited to share with you about our new NextGen STEM Lab, which is gonna be amazing and so fun for kids. I’ll be there with my family.”
Kevin also shared a message to fans in the launch video. “I cannot wait to be back on the Gold Coast for the 2026 Pacific Air Show coming up,” he said.
“We missed you last year, 2025, unfortunately, with Cyclone Alfred, but we’re coming back bigger and better than ever before and we’re not gonna lose any momentum.
Minister for the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said, “This is more than just an event, this is yet another experience that makes Queensland the envy of the world.”
He added, “The community and economic impacts solidify the success of this event, anticipated to generate more than $32 million for the state and an approximate 129,000 direct visitor nights.”
Mayor Tom Tate said the city is ready.
“It’s time to look to the skies above the Pacific Ocean with the 2026 airshow heading back to our shores,” he said.
“The City has been working to restore the golden sands of the coast and I am thrilled that Kevin and his team are building on the magic of previous years by adding even more breathtaking aerobatics and an incredible entertainment line-up on the ground.
Book your tickets early and be prepared to be amazed.”
Australia’s own Red Bull Air Race World Champion, Matt Hall, said the Gold Coast setting is unmatched. “Jet fighters all around the world, I’ve raced planes all around the world, but there are a couple of events that stick in my brain as the places to be,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to be involved with the Pacific Airshow at Huntington Beach a few times, and that’s what has now developed over to here to the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, and there’s nothing like it from an aviator’s perspective.”
He said the view from the cockpit is unforgettable. “Coming out over the beach there, it’s one of the most beautiful, in fact it is the most beautiful beach in the world, and to be flying down, about to start your aerobatic display, you look down at the beach and there is hundreds of thousands of people along the beach with this skyline and the clear waters as far as you can see.”
He also spoke about meeting fans. “Coming back to the show here to sign autographs with a line hundreds of metres long, and what inspires me as an aviator these days is to give back to the next generations to come, and I fly a lot of airshows around the world.
How To Buy Tickets To The Pacific Airshow
There’s a ticket for every type of fan at the 2026 event 👇
• 🎟️ General Admission from $40, includes live commentary, pilot interviews, signing sessions, NXTGN STEM LAB, Kids Zone, beach bars, food options, exhibitors and merch.
• ⭐ Show Centre Zone from $60, closest to the Parachute Landing Zone with a souvenir lanyard, priority bar line and all GA inclusions.
• 🌅 Premium GA from $160, exclusive beachfront area with unreserved seating, licensed bar, live commentary, signing sessions and GA access.
• 🍹 Garden Bar from $225, three drinks on arrival, shaded areas, picnic tables, umbrellas, beach games, private restrooms, exclusive bar, food truck and GA access.
• 🏖️ Beach Club from $495, premium food, four-hour beverage package, pavilion seating, shaded patio, private restrooms, performer signing session, bar access and GA inclusions.
• 🛋️ Private Cabanas from $14,850, for up to 25 guests or 50 in a double cabana, with buffet lunch, afternoon tea, optional drinks package, shaded patio, private restrooms, live commentary and GA access.
• ✈️ Private Chalets (enquire), for 50 or more guests, with premium furnishings, hardwood flooring, custom food and drink packages, private restrooms, shaded patio, host support, live commentary, GA access and an aerobatic or scenic flight option.
Kevin encouraged fans to book early. “Head over to pacificairshow.com, get your tickets. You don’t wanna be left outside of the fence. Remember the first year, people were literally crying in the streets. Don’t get left outside the fence.”
Zoom out
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast continues to grow from its Huntington Beach roots, with strong backing from Experience Gold Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland.
What to look for next
More details on aircraft, entertainment and hospitality zones will be released in early 2026, which we’ll share here.
Ticket information in the meantime can be found at at pacificairshow.com.
