Pacific Airshow returns to Gold Coast with biggest flying line-up
More than 300,000 people are expected at Pacific Airshow Gold Coast for three days.
What’s Happening?
Performer aircraft have arrived at Gold Coast Airport ahead of Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, which begins at Surfers Paradise Beach on Friday.
Crews are preparing the aircraft for three days of aerial displays running from 14 to 16 August 2026. Meanwhile, construction of the beachfront show site is continuing on the restored sand.
Select media were given a close view of the parked aircraft before they take to the sky. From Friday, organisers expect more than 300,000 people to see the full flying program over the water.
Why It Matters
Organisers say this is the biggest line-up Pacific Airshow has presented on the Gold Coast. It brings Australian and United States military aircraft together with aerobatic pilots, parachutists, jet suits and historic warbirds.
Pacific Airshow chief executive and director Kevin Elliott said the event had returned after a two-year wait.
“The Gold Coast, Australia and the whole world has been waiting patiently for 24 months, and it’s such a great feeling to be back on Gold Coast sand,” Elliott said.
“This is the biggest line-up we’ve ever brought to the Gold Coast and it’s all taking place over the water in front of hundreds of thousands of people. There’s nothing else like it in Australia, and come Friday morning, the whole coast is going to be talking about it.”
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the event supported Queensland’s ability to attract major events with strong tourism and economic benefits.
“Queensland is Australia’s events capital and we’re proving it by securing experiences that put our State on the world stage and deliver real benefits for Queenslanders,” Powell said. “The Pacific Airshow is exactly the kind of event we want calling Queensland home because it fills our hotels, backs local businesses, supports jobs and brings visitors through our doors.”
“When people see those aircraft flying above one of the most famous beaches in the world, they’re not just watching an airshow, they’re seeing the very best of Queensland. The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of securing major events that support local jobs, drive visitor spending and deliver real economic benefits for communities across Queensland.”
Local Impact
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the city’s work with major event promoters had secured another large family attraction.
“The Gold Coast has a proud reputation for partnering with the best event promoters to secure the biggest festivals and open-air attractions on offer,” Tate said. “The Pacific Airshow is top billing for incredible family entertainment, high energy aerial displays and amazing on-the-ground exhibitions and displays. Hosting this three-day event showcases our city’s skyline, beaches and blue ocean to the world.
“There’s no better place to be and it’s time for Kevin to hit the launch button on the 2026 spectacular.”
Gold Coast Airport is serving as a base for several performance aircraft during the event. Queensland Airports Limited chief executive Amelia Evans said their arrival had also generated excitement across the aviation community.
“Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is a spectacular celebration of aviation and it’s been on our radar from day one, making us proud supporters of the event year after year,” Evans said. “It’s been a real thrill watching them touch down this morning and seeing the excitement build ahead of the event.
“What I love most about events like this is how the aviation industry continues to soar to new heights, inspiring the next generation to explore the many career opportunities our industry has to offer. Ready for take-off.”
By the Numbers
The expected attendance and daily flying schedule show the size of this year’s Gold Coast event.
More than 300,000 people are expected to attend across the three days at Surfers Paradise Beach.
The event returns to the Gold Coast after a 24-month wait, according to Elliott.
Gates open at 9am daily, with flying scheduled from about 10am until around 4pm.
Zoom In
The Royal Australian Air Force F-35 Lightning II leads the flying program. It is the service’s frontline fifth-generation stealth fighter.
The Air Force Roulettes, No. 100 Squadron heritage warbirds and C-130 Hercules are also scheduled. The Australian Defence Force Red Berets will add a parachuting display.
The United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey returns by popular demand. The United States Navy’s P-8 Poseidon submarine hunter will also fly.
The United States Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III completes the announced American contingent.
Organisers call the Yak-110 a one-of-a-kind “Frankenstein” aircraft. It combines two Yak-55 fuselages, with a jet engine mounted underneath.
United States pilot and Pacific Airshow ambassador Jeff Boerboon will fly it. Organisers joked that Boerboon saw one aeroplane and thought, “that’s not enough”.
Gravity Industries Jet Suits will put people into flight above the beach. Bryce Nietvelt will fly a BO-105 helicopter in Australia’s first aerobatic display of its kind. Greg “Wired” Colyer will fly a T-33 Shooting Star, the only aircraft of its kind in Australia.
Other announced performers and displays include:
Reigning Red Bull Air Race World Champion Matt Hall will perform solo and in a three-ship display. The retired Wing Commander will fly with Jason “Easty” Easthope and Kris “Ski” Sieczkowski.
Queensland solo aerobatic pilots include Emma McDonald in an Extra 300L and Jeremy Miller in a Yak-55. Rod Flockhart will fly an Extra 330S.
The Southern Knights, Screaming Diamonds and Red Star Roolettes are also scheduled.
The Australian Wing Suit Display Team will perform, while Gold Coast Skydive will land with flags and flares. The landing will come close to the front row.
The Queensland Fire Department Air Attack Demo and Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter are included.
A PC-9 and Beech18 display will join the Twin Vipers, Jet Provost and Strikemaster.
Warbird Experience Australia will bring its CAC Mustang and P-40 Kittyhawk. Pays Aviation will present a Spitfire display.
Zoom Out
Across all three days, Matt Jolley, Mark Beretta and Bronte Langbroek will call the action live from show centre. Real-time pilot interviews will explain each display as it happens.
Bluey and Bingo will perform daily, and performer signing sessions are also planned. The site includes the NXTGN STEM LAB and PA Kids Zone.
A revamped premium hospitality program offers cold drinks and seated skywatching.
What To Look For Next?
Crews will finish aircraft checks and show-site work before gates open at 9am on Friday 14 August. Flying begins at approximately 10am and wraps around 4pm daily.
The event continues through Sunday, 16 August 2026 at Surfers Paradise Beach, Gold Coast. Tickets are on sale now at pacificairshowaus.com.