Victoria’s skies will carry a powerful tribute on April 25, 2026, as Royal Australian Air Force aircraft conduct coordinated flypasts across dozens of locations to mark Anzac Day. The schedule reflects a statewide effort, combining multiple aircraft types to support both regional and metropolitan commemorations.
Running from 8:30 am through late afternoon, the program features a mix of KA-350 King Air surveillance aircraft and PC-21 training aircraft, each assigned to specific routes covering Gippsland, regional Victoria, and Melbourne.
Early Morning Flypasts Led by KA-350 King Air
The day begins with the KA-350 King Air covering key Gippsland locations. Scheduled appearances include 8:30 am at Gippsland Memorial Park (Traralgon), followed by 9:10 am at Maffra RSL and 9:45 am at Stratford RSL. The same aircraft continues across the region, including Brigalong at 10:30 am and Heyfield at 11:00 am.
This aircraft type plays a crucial role in early coverage, ensuring regional communities receive dedicated flypasts before the wider rollout of additional aircraft.
PC-21 Aircraft Dominate Midday Schedule
The majority of flypasts throughout the day are conducted by the PC-21, a modern turboprop trainer used extensively by the Air Force. Starting from 10:00 am in Paynesville, PC-21 aircraft appear in rapid succession across locations including Cockatoo, Healesville, Sale, Golden Beach, and Strath Creek.
Between 10:30 am and 11:15 am, the schedule reaches peak intensity, with multiple PC-21 flypasts happening almost simultaneously across Victoria. Locations such as Kilmore, Diamond Creek, Bairnsdale, Warragul, Montmorency-Eltham, Yarram, Traralgon, Metung, Orbost, and Wonthaggi are all included in this coordinated window.
The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne also receives a PC-21 flypast at 11:00 am, marking one of the most significant ceremonial moments of the day.
Afternoon Highlights and MCG Flypast
Later in the day, the PC-21 continues operations with a 2:00 pm flypast at Rosedale RSL. The final high-profile appearances take place over the Melbourne Cricket Ground at 2:57 pm and 3:20 pm, aligning with the traditional Anzac Day AFL match.
These closing flypasts are expected to draw widespread attention, bringing the day’s commemorations to a strong and symbolic finish.
Balanced Operations Across Aircraft Types
The schedule highlights a clear operational structure: KA-350 King Air aircraft handle early regional routes, while PC-21 aircraft manage the bulk of simultaneous mid-to-late morning flypasts across Victoria.
Air Force officials have confirmed that all flights are planned with safety, environmental impact, and community considerations in mind. Routes and timings may still change depending on operational requirements, weather, and readiness priorities.
The coordinated use of multiple aircraft ensures that both major city events and smaller regional communities are included in this national moment of remembrance.
Further official updates can be accessed via the Australian Department of Defence.
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