The Gold Coast Pacific Airshow has been cancelled due to safety concerns linked to significant beach erosion worsened by recent king tides and swells following Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Airshow director Kevin Elliott expressed that the unexpected weather developments heavily impacted their plans.
Elliott highlighted that while they explored various alternatives, all options would either compromise the event’s quality on the ground or in the air. With the expected attendance of 300,000 people last year, the current conditions mean the beaches cannot support such large crowds safely, according to Experience Gold Coast’s CEO, John Warn.
Warn stated that ensuring the safety and experience of attendees was paramount in the decision to cancel the event. The cancellation is anticipated to create a substantial economic loss, estimated at around $33 million for the local economy. However, Warn remains optimistic about the future of the airshow on the Gold Coast, asserting there is a long-term vision to continue hosting it.
This announcement follows previous assurances from Acting Mayor Mark Hammel, who had expressed confidence that the beach would be ready in time for the event. Event organisers have since reached out to ticket holders to discuss refund and rollover options for the 2025 airshow, reflecting their commitment to audience engagement amid the cancellation.