Fireworks will replace the “Star-Bound” drone displays in Darling Harbour for the remainder of the festival, organisers have confirmed, after a technical fault caused a cascading failure in last Monday’s show that resulted in 89 drones crashing into the water.

Chris Mills, who took over from Andrew Brodie after the latter’s departure in 2023, will leave the aviation sector later this year to take up a new opportunity after leading the airport through a “period of significant growth and transformation”.

Under the agreement announced this month, Metrea – with facilities across the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and the EU – will partner with the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force (ABF) to deliver enhanced surveillance capability.

Flight FC201 to Newcastle on 29 January 2026, operated by 27-year-old VH-VEZ, was carrying 19 passengers and three crew when the left inboard main landing gear wheel separated from the aircraft during take-off, with ATC notifying the flight crew during the climb.