- The Crisafulli Government has supported the return of the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, bringing back one of Queensland's most anticipated tourism and aviation events.
- The three-day spectacle is expected to attract 17,000 interstate and international visitors and inject $26 million into the Queensland economy.
- While Labor planned to slash tourism funding by 95 per cent, the Crisafulli Government is backing major events that fill hotels, support local jobs and cement Queensland as Australia's events capital.
Eyes will turn to Queensland this weekend as the Crisafulli Government backs the return of the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, bringing one of the country's most spectacular aviation events back to Surfers Paradise.
The three-day spectacle will once again roar across Queensland's most famous beach, drawing thousands of visitors, supporting local jobs and delivering a major boost for Gold Coast businesses.
The return of the Pacific Airshow comes after last year's cancellation due to the impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, marking a major comeback for one of the Gold Coast's most anticipated tourism events.
Securing the event is another win for the Crisafulli Government's Destination 2045 plan to grow tourism, back local jobs and build a stronger pipeline of major events that put Queensland on the world stage.
The former Labor Government's plan to slash tourism funding by 95 per cent put major events at risk, but the Crisafulli Government is backing tourism and has ensured one of the Gold Coast's biggest drawcards returns in 2026.
As the only ocean-front airshow of its kind in Australia, the Pacific Airshow is expected to attract around 17,000 interstate and international visitors and generate approximately $26 million for the Queensland economy.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the event's return was proof Queensland was leading the nation when it comes to attracting world-class events.
"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," Minister 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.
"From the Gold Coast to the Far North, we are building an events pipeline that keeps Queensland ahead of every other state when it comes to attracting visitors and investment."
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the Pacific Airshow had become a staple of the city's major events calendar.
"The Gold Coast has built a strong reputation for working with world-class event partners to bring major festivals and spectacular outdoor experiences to our city," Mayor Tom Tate said.
"Pacific Airshow is a standout event, delivering exciting aerial performances, family-friendly entertainment and interactive attractions on the ground.
"Over three days, it showcases our iconic skyline, pristine beaches and stunning coastline to audiences around the world.
"There's no better place to experience this incredible event, and I'm looking forward to seeing what promises to be a spectacular 2026 edition."
Pacific Airshow CEO Kevin Elliott said all eyes were on the Gold Coast as Pacific Airshow prepared for take-off.
"Pacific Airshow 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest yet," Mr Elliott said.
"Three days of world-class flying over the sands of Surfers Paradise, with aircraft from around the globe, and visitors arriving from across the country and the world to see them.
"This is the event that puts the Gold Coast on the world stage, and we can't wait to show everyone what we've been planning."
Returning from 14 to 16 August 2026, the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast will see military aircraft, aerobatic performers and skydivers take to the skies above Surfers Paradise, alongside three days of live entertainment and family-friendly attractions on the ground.
