The Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2026 has returned to Surfers Paradise, bringing military jets, aerobatic teams, historic warbirds, helicopters, skydivers and jet-suit demonstrations to the Queensland beachfront from Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16.
The comeback is particularly significant after the 2025 event was cancelled following severe beach erosion caused by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. A $37 million council-led recovery effort helped restore the coastline, allowing one of the Gold Coast’s biggest spectator events to return.
More than 250,000 people attended in 2024, when the event generated an estimated $33 million in economic benefit. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate expects the 2026 impact could approach $40 million, with accommodation occupancy already above 80 per cent ahead of the weekend.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2026 schedule and start times
Gates open from 9am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, hospitality areas open at 10am, and flying is expected to begin around 10am. The show generally finishes between 3pm and 4pm.
Flying times can change because of weather, air traffic control or operational requirements. Visitors particularly interested in military displays should check the RAAF’s official Pacific Airshow information before travelling.
Full Friday, August 14 timetable
| Time | Performer / Display |
|---|---|
| 10:00am | Commentators – Show Intro |
| 10:12am | Opening Ceremony – National Anthems |
| 10:19am | Gold Coast Skydive – Jeff & Emma |
| 10:28am | YAK-110 – Jeff Boerboon |
| 10:35am | Twin Vipers – Strikemaster & Jet Provost |
| 10:45am | PC-9 Solo Aerobatic Display |
| 10:54am | Strikemaster Solo – Jason Easthorpe |
| 11:02am | Gravity Industries Jet Suits |
| 11:08am | Rod Flockhart – Extra 300S |
| 11:17am | CAC Mustang & P-40 |
| 11:26am | QFS Fire Attack Demonstration |
| 11:37am | Westpac Lifesaving EC-135 |
| 11:46am | Australian Wingsuit Demonstration Team |
| 11:55am | Red Star Roolettes – Nanchang CJ-6 |
| 12:19pm | US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey |
| 12:32pm | Jeremy Miller – Yak-55 |
| 12:43pm | US Navy P-8 Poseidon |
| 12:52pm | Southern Knights |
| 1:08pm | Matt Hall Three-Ship Display |
| 1:24pm | ADF Red Berets |
| 1:33pm | Emma McDonald – Extra 300L |
| 1:44pm | C-17 Demonstration Team |
| 1:57pm | Screaming Diamonds – Pitts Three-Ship |
| 2:09pm | Gravity Industries Jet Suits |
| 2:15pm | BO-105 Helicopter – Bryce Niet |
| 2:24pm | Matt Hall – MXS |
| 2:36pm | T-33 Silver Star – Greg Colyer |
| 2:51pm | YAK-110 – Jeff Boerboon |
| 3:06pm | Roulettes Formation – Spitfire & Mustang |
| 3:13pm | RAAF No. 100 Squadron |
| 3:20pm | Merlin Combine – No. 100 Squadron |
| 3:28pm | RAAF Roulettes – PC-21 |
Saturday and Sunday’s detailed flying order should be checked when their daily schedules are released rather than assuming Friday’s timetable will repeat. Aviation fans following other major displays this year can also compare the Wales Airshow 2026 timetable and display times.
F-35, C-17, Osprey and RAAF Roulettes headline the lineup
The wider weekend lineup includes the RAAF F-35A Lightning II, Roulettes, C-130J Hercules, Red Berets and No. 100 Squadron heritage aircraft. Historic machines including the Spitfire and Mustang will appear alongside modern military aviation.
Friday also features the US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey at 12:19pm, US Navy P-8 Poseidon at 12:43pm and C-17 demonstration at 1:44pm. The Roulettes are scheduled for 3:28pm.
Gravity Industries’ jet suits provide one of the weekend’s more unusual attractions. Event director Kevin Elliott said the Australian demonstration took almost two-and-a-half years to gain regulatory approval, with the technology appearing twice on Friday.
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Getting to Surfers Paradise and what to bring
Large crowds mean public transport is likely to be easier than driving into central Surfers Paradise. The G:Link provides access from Helensvale for travellers arriving from Brisbane and the north, as well as connections from the south through Burleigh Heads.
Walking, cycling, taxis and rideshare are alternatives, although road congestion should be expected. Visitors spending most of the day in General Admission should consider bringing a chair or towel, sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks and a small shade or umbrella under two metres where permitted.
Same-day pass-outs are allowed, giving visitors the option to leave for nearby restaurants and bars before returning to the event.
Why the airshow’s return matters to the Gold Coast
Pacific Airshow first arrived in Queensland in 2023 after expanding from California. Its 2024 attendance passed 250,000 before Cyclone Alfred-related beach damage forced the 2025 cancellation.
The restored beachfront now supports both the spectator precinct and associated activities. The event’s economic reach extends to hotels, restaurants, retailers, transport and delivery services across the tourism district. Those following changes affecting the latter can also see how Australia’s 2026 gig worker pay rules for delivery drivers are changing conditions for eligible app-based couriers.
For visitors, the main practical advice is to arrive early and check the latest schedule before leaving home. Aircraft, performers and times remain subject to change, especially when weather or operational requirements affect flying over the beachfront.
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