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The RAAF’s F-35 Lightning II fighter jets will return to this year’s Pacific Airshow Gold Coast.
Taking place at Surfers Paradise from 14-16 August 2026, the event will feature flying displays from the RAAF as well as formation warbird and aerobatic displays, firefighting displays, and other attractions. The show is returning this year after its cancellation in 2025.
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“Our first performer drop set the tone, this announcement brings the firepower,” said Kevin Elliott, Pacific Airshow CEO and director.
“To have the RAAF rolling out its frontline jets alongside a raft of Australia’s best civilian performers is exactly the calibre of lineup the Gold Coast deserves.
“This is world-class aviation against one of the most iconic skylines in the world, right over the water, there’s nothing else like it in the country.”
Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell has hailed the show as “exactly the kind of world-class event helping to cement Queensland as Australia’s events capital”.
“When you combine some of the world’s best aviation performers with the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline, you create an event people will travel across Australia and around the world to experience,” he said.
“Pacific Airshow is bringing thousands of visitors to Queensland, filling hotels, supporting local businesses, and showcasing the Gold Coast on a global stage.
“With more than 19,000 visitors expected to travel specifically for the event and more than $26 million forecast to flow into the economy, Pacific Airshow highlights why Queensland continues to lead the nation in major events.”
Performers announced this week include:
- RAAF F-35 Lightning II – fifth-generation stealth fighter, the RAAF’s frontline jet.
- RAAF Roulettes – the RAAF’s formation aerobatic display team.
- RAAF No. 100 Squadron – the RAAF’s heritage warbird fleet.
- RAAF C-130 Hercules – the RAAF’s workhorse transport aircraft.
- PC-9 – RAAF training aircraft.
- Bryce Nietvelt, BO-105 Aerobatic Helicopter Display – its first-ever aerobatic display in Australia.
- Southern Knights Display Team – formation warbird display team.
- Red Star Roolettes Display Team – formation aerobatic display team.
- Jeff “Trappo” Trappett, C-47 – restored WWII-era transport aircraft.
- Andrew Kennedy, CAC Mustang + P-40 Kittyhawk – iconic WWII fighters.
- Twin Vipers – high-energy formation aerobatic act.
- McDermott Aviation, C-160 Display – firefighting display.
- Australian Wing Suit Display Team – Feat. Jacko Strong, Adrian van der Sluys, Jeff Wetherall and Jason Dunofski.
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