Despite some changes in the lineup, the Pacific Airshow will go on this weekend in Huntington Beach.
In an emergency email issued by Airshow Executive Director Kevin Elliott, “there will be changes prompted by the U.S. government shutdown.” Apparently, all U.S. military assets scheduled to take part in the show have now been sidelined, which prompted the airshow officials to cancel the traditional opening ceremony.
“On account of the U.S. government shutdown, I regrettably by email inform you that we will be cancelling the Welcome Ceremony,” Elliott urgently informed all parties before the traditional Thursday ceremony at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.
“Traditionally, our Welcome Ceremony brings us together to celebrate the kick-off of Airshow Weekend in Southern California and to welcome our great military performers to our respective cities, all of whom love and appreciate their participation,” his email said.
“Unfortunately 2025 had different plans for the Pacific Airshow,” he said in the statement.
Nevertheless, said Elliott, the show will still go on.
“Make no mistake, the Pacific Airshow will go ahead with a great show in spite of the loss of U.S. military participation,” he said.
“We are blessed to still welcome the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the RAF Falcons Parachute Team and the RAF C-17 Demonstration, among dozens of the world’s best civilian performers,” he said. “As the great late (and local) Dr. Robert Schuller once said, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.”
The ever-growing Pacific Air Show Huntington Beach will take to the skies this weekend from October 3-5, expecting to bring thousands to the beaches and even a larger crowd to the Joint Forces Training Base, where many of the aircraft will be stationed.
Among the diverse and international air performers that were prepared to take to the skies are the fan-favorite U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds’, the F-35A Demo Team, the Special Warfare Expedition Team (SWET), NORAD Interdiction Demo, and the German Air Force, among others.
This year’s airshow will set a standard for international participation with representation from six nations including USA, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Austria.This year’s three-day event will feature an elite mix of military demonstration teams and world-renowned aerobatic pilots from around the world, including a showcase of new and emerging technology.
“We’re honored to host such a diverse lineup of world-class pilots, performers and even inventors, who embody the spirit of aviation that brings us all together,” Elliott said earlier in a statement.
“Whether you’re a lifelong aviation enthusiast or first-time visitor, you will be blown away by what you see,” he said in the statement.
Military performers announced earlier included headliner and returning crowd favorite, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds (now cancelled among the other U.S. military teams), Canadian Forces Snowbirds (Canada), U.S. Air Force F-35A Demo Team, U.S. Air Force KC-135 Demo Team, U.S. Air Force C-17 West Coast Demo Team, U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler Legacy Team, U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Demo, Louisiana Air National Guard Bayou Militia F-15s, and the U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team.
Most military participants that will still participate will again be staged at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, and the base will, for the second year, host a gathering at “The PUB at Fiddler’s Green,” for locals who want a taste of the air show without trekking to the beach. Because of the government shutdown, however, U.S. military aircraft will no longer take part, it was announced.
The base, in Los Al, will remain open as scheduled, it announced.
According to Mia Perez, Recreation and Special Events Manager for JFTB, “all civilians are welcome” to an event they are calling “Air Show Weekend.” The Pub will offer a special breakfast and drink menu Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.- 7 p.m. and on Sunday, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This year’s show will include inaugural civilian performances include Franky Zapata: Flyboard Air & Airscooter (France), and Anthony Oshinuga: Pitts S-1. Returning to Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach are civilian performers Aaron Fitzgerald: Red Bull Bo-105 Aerobatic Helicopter, Torrey Ward: The Subsonex Microjet, Jeff Boerboon: Extra 330SC, Emma McDonald: Extra 300L (Australia), Greg Colyer: Ace Maker T-33.
The latest installment of military and civilian performers include the iconic B-29 DOC, a restored WWII warbird that’s one of only two in the world still flying, Dawn Patrol formation flying team, the iconic Goodyear Blimp, as it marks a historic milestone of 100 years of flight, Lyon Air Museum B-25 Mitchell Bomber, Scaled Composites Proteus and Model 401 aircraft, Grumman Albatross, Red Bull Air Force extreme skydivers, RAF C-17 (UK) (Saturday only), Red Bull aerobatic and air racing pro Luke Czepiela (Poland) and the C-130J Water Bomber from the Hollywood Guard. With pilots and performers hailing from Canada to Germany, this year’s show will feature the most internationally diverse aviation lineup to date.
“As the anticipation continues to build leading up to this year’s airshow, we are beyond excited to unveil the second wave of performers, from historic 1945 warships and the iconic Goodyear Blimp to the future of flying with Scaled Composites, the excitement is unmatched for this dynamic lineup,” said Airshow Director, Kevin Elliott.
“Each performance brings its own unique energy, and together they contribute to what’s shaping up to be one of the most spectacular shows we’ve hosted,” he said.
This year’s Pacific Airshow won’t be confined to the skies, said Elliott, noting that in addition to the high-flying performers, Pacific Airshow has added some exciting offerings on the beach.
They include the all-new NXTGN STEM LAB – a dynamic new feature designed to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of aviators, engineers, and innovators. Other fun additions include roaming entertainers for fun interactions and photo opportunities, and an iHeart Radio DJ to provide good vibes for an already fun-packed weekend.
An exciting second wave of performer announcements will be revealed soon, he said, adding to the already packed lineup. For more information on additional performers, or to purchase tickets and hospitality, please visit www.pacificairshow.com or follow Pacific Airshow on social media@pacificairshow, the statement said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated since the printed edition.