Community

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast returns to Surfers Paradise from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August 2026, bringing three days of world-class aviation displays, military aircraft demonstrations and aerobatic performances to the Gold Coast beachfront.

This page provides important information for local residents, businesses, accommodation providers and stakeholders regarding aircraft activity, traffic management, access arrangements and public safety measures associated with the event.

Community Information Letter

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

AIRCRAFT ACTIVITY AND NOISE

As per previous years, participating aircraft will undertake practice and familiarisation flights on Thursday 13 August 2026, generally during the lunchtime period.

Increased aircraft activity, low flying aircraft and elevated noise levels should also be expected throughout the event weekend from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August 2026.

Please consider those who may be affected by aircraft noise, including young children, pets, elderly family members and others who may be sensitive to increased noise levels.

Aircraft operations associated with Pacific Airshow Gold Coast are conducted in accordance with the applicable approvals and requirements governing Queensland major events.

TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS

The most significant traffic impacts will occur between:

2:00PM - 5:00PM DAILY

Friday 14 August, Saturday 15 August, Sunday 16 August

During these periods, temporary road closures and traffic restrictions will be implemented to safely manage large pedestrian movements following the daily flying displays.

Motorists should expect delays when travelling into, out of or around Surfers Paradise.

G:LINK SERVICES

The G:link light rail will operate increased service frequencies throughout the event weekend.

Residents, workers, visitors and event attendees are encouraged to utilise public transport wherever possible.

Using G:link is expected to be the easiest way to travel to and from Surfers Paradise during the event.

ROAD AND ACCESS CHANGES

Temporary traffic management measures will be in place throughout event week and during event operations.

Minor traffic changes, including lane closures and changed traffic conditions, may occur during event week.

The most significant impacts will occur between 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Temporary closures and traffic restrictions may affect:

The Esplanade

Elkhorn Avenue

Orchid Avenue

Hanlan Street

Trickett Street

Laycock Street

Surfers Paradise Boulevard

Beach Road

Cavill Avenue

Traffic restrictions will be managed by Queensland Police Service and accredited traffic controllers. Roads will progressively reopen as conditions allow.

Compared with previous years, traffic impacts are expected to be significantly reduced due to the permanent closure of The Esplanade between Hanlan Street and the Soul Roundabout, removing the need for a number of traffic arrangements previously required by the event.

Traffic & Road Closures


Period	Roads/ Areas Affected	Traffic & Access Arrangements
Monday 3 August – Friday 9 August 7:00am – 5:00pm	Event Precinct (Esplanade)	Event infrastructure installation commences. Southbound lane closed between Hanlan St and Laycock St (daytime only). No driveway access impeded.
Monday 10 August – Thursday 13 August 7:00am – 5:00pm	Event Precinct (Esplanade): Staghorn St – Clifford St	Event infrastructure installation underway. Traffic impacts limited to works activities. Southbound lane closed between Hanlan St and Clifford St (7am – 5pm). Access maintained unless otherwise directed. Car parking in areas along The Esplanade restricted – please review all signage
Friday 14 August From 4:30am	Event Precinct (Esplanade): Staghorn St – Clifford St	Installation of water-filled barriers commencing from the southern end of the event precinct. Service vehicle manoeuvrability may be restricted in some locations, particularly for waste collection vehicles.
Friday 14 August - Sunday 16 August 6:30am - 5:00pm daily	The Esplanade	Road closed between the Soul Roundabout and Clifford Street. Local traffic restrictions in place.
Friday 14 August - Sunday 16 August 6:30am - 5:00pm daily	The Esplanade (southbound)	Southbound lane closed between Staghorn Avenue and Elkhorn Avenue. Car parking restrictions in place
Friday 14 August - Sunday 16 August 6:30am - 5:00pm daily	The Esplanade (Elkhorn Ave – Peppers Soul)	Local access maintained between Elkhorn Avenue and the Soul Roundabout in both northbound and southbound directions (contra flow)– except during QPS controlled closures from 2pm – 5pm. Car parking restrictions in place
Friday 14 August - Sunday 16 August Approx. 2:00pm - 5:00pm daily	Event precinct The Esplanade, Surfers Paradise Blvd, Staghorn Ave, View Ave, Elkhorn Ave, Orchid Ave, Cavill Ave, Beach Rd, Trickett St, Laycock St, Clifford St	Short-term traffic holds and road closures under police control to facilitate event operations. NO ACCESS to the listed streets. Diversions in place.
Monday 17 August - Thursday 20 August	Event Precinct (Esplanade)	Event infrastructure removal. Southbound lane closed between Hanlan St and Laycock St (7:00am – 5:00pm). No driveway access impeded.

EVENT PRECINCT

The event precinct is located on Surfers Paradise Beach and will be clearly identifiable through signage and temporary fencing.

Access to designated areas within the precinct will be restricted to ticket holders during event operations

View the Event Map page here

BEACH ACCESS

Public beach access will remain available outside designated event areas.

Where temporary restrictions are required, alternative access points will be clearly signposted.

Event staff will be available throughout the weekend to assist patrons and members of the public.

OCEAN EXCLUSION ZONE

For public safety, a temporary marine exclusion zone will operate offshore from Surfers Paradise Beach during flying display operations.

Restrictions will apply to marine vessels, personal watercraft and other water-based activities within the designated area while flying displays are underway.

The ocean exclusion zone will be in effect from First Avenue Broadbeach (south) through to MacIntosh Island Bridge Narrowneck (north) and approximately 1.2km east of the shoreline whereby access will be prohibited during the following dates and times:-

Thursday 13 August - 11am - 2pm

Friday 14 August - 10am - 4pm

Saturday 15 August - 10am - 4pm

Sunday 16 August - 10am - 4pm

NO DRONE ZONE

Drones are strictly prohibited within the regulated airspace surrounding the event site during event operations.

Unauthorised drone activity may result in enforcement action and could impact event operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aircraft Activity & Noise

Yes.
Participating aircraft will undertake practice and familiarisation flights on Thursday 13 August 2026, generally during the lunchtime period.
Residents, businesses and visitors should expect increased aircraft activity and elevated noise levels during this time.
Yes.
Increased aircraft activity, low-flying aircraft and elevated noise levels can be expected throughout the event weekend from Friday 14 August to Sunday 16 August.
Yes.
Aircraft operations associated with Pacific Airshow Gold Coast are conducted in accordance with the applicable approvals and requirements governing Queensland major events.
Residents are encouraged to consider those who may be sensitive to increased noise levels, including:
- Young children
- Pets
- Elderly family members
- Individuals sensitive to loud or unexpected noise

Traffic & Access

The most significant traffic impacts are expected between:
2:00pm and 5:00pm daily
- Friday 14 August
- Saturday 15 August
- Sunday 16 August
This is when large numbers of spectators leave the event precinct.
Temporary closures and traffic restrictions may affect:
- The Esplanade
- Elkhorn Avenue
- Orchid Avenue
- Hanlan Street
- Trickett Street
- Laycock Street
- Surfers Paradise Boulevard
- Beach Road
- Cavill Avenue
Roads will progressively reopen as conditions allow.
Temporary access restrictions will apply between 2:00pm and 5:00pm on Friday 14 August, Saturday 15 August and Sunday 16 August 2026.
During these periods, a number of roads in and around Surfers Paradise will be temporarily closed to facilitate the safe movement of pedestrians leaving the event precinct.
Residents seeking to enter or leave the area during these times may experience significant delays and, in some locations, vehicle access may not be available until roads are progressively reopened.
Traffic restrictions will be managed by Queensland Police Service and accredited traffic controllers, with roads reopening as quickly as conditions safely allow.
Yes.
Businesses will remain open and accessible; however, temporary traffic restrictions may impact vehicle access and travel times during peak periods.
Temporary traffic restrictions are implemented to safely manage large pedestrian movements leaving the beachfront and event precinct following the daily flying displays.
No.
Traffic impacts are expected to be significantly reduced compared with previous years due to the permanent closure of The Esplanade between Hanlan Street and the Soul Roundabout, removing the need for several traffic management measures previously required for the event.
Yes.
Access to accommodation providers will be maintained wherever possible, although delays may occur during peak traffic management periods. , can we please change the answer to
Yes.
Pedestrian access to hotels and accommodation will remain available at all times.
Vehicle access will be maintained wherever possible. However, properties located within QPS led road closure areas will not be accessible by vehicle while those closures are in effect. Temporary delays and access restrictions may occur during peak traffic management periods.

Accommodation Providers & Hotels

Yes.
Accommodation providers are encouraged to inform guests about:
- Event dates
- Aircraft noise
- Temporary traffic restrictions
- Increased public transport services
- Peak traffic impacts between 2:00pm and 5:00pm
Yes.
Access to accommodation providers will be maintained wherever possible, although delays may occur during peak traffic management periods.

Public Transport

Public transport is strongly recommended.
The G:link light rail will operate increased service frequencies throughout the event weekend and is expected to be the most efficient way to travel to and from Surfers Paradise.
Yes.
G:link services will continue operating throughout the event period.
Parking in and around Surfers Paradise is expected to be limited.
Visitors are encouraged to utilise public transport wherever possible.

Beach & Pedestrian Access

Yes.
Beach access will remain available outside the ticketed event precinct, with access points provided north and south of the event area.
However, a temporary marine exclusion zone will be in place during flying display operations. While visitors may access the shoreline and enjoy the beach outside the event precinct, entry into the water beyond waist depth within the exclusion zone is not permitted.
Please follow all signage and directions from event and water safety personnel.
For public safety, temporary "Beach Closed" signs will be displayed at various locations throughout Surfers Paradise during event operations.
These signs may relate to:
- The ticketed event precinct;
- Temporary access restrictions;
- The marine exclusion zone; or
- Public safety requirements associated with low-flying aircraft operations.
While some areas of beach and water access will be restricted, public beach access will remain available outside the event precinct. Visitors should follow all signage and instructions from event staff and safety personnel.
Yes.
Pedestrian access will be maintained, although some routes may be altered to support event operations and crowd safety.
Yes.
Alternative pedestrian routes will be clearly signed where required.

Water Activities & Marine Access

Yes.
A temporary marine exclusion zone will operate offshore from Surfers Paradise Beach during flying display operations.
No.
Water activities within the designated exclusion zone will be restricted while flying displays are underway.
Exclusion zone maps and operating times will be published on the Community Information page prior to the event.

Drones & Airspace

No.
Drones are strictly prohibited within the regulated airspace surrounding the event site during event operations.
Drone activity presents a significant safety risk to participating aircraft and may result in the interruption of flying displays.

Businesses

Yes.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast encourages visitors to support local businesses throughout the event weekend.
Visitor numbers are expected to be similar to previous events, resulting in increased pedestrian activity throughout Surfers Paradise.
Many businesses may experience increased visitation due to the large number of attendees visiting Surfers Paradise throughout the event weekend.

Emergency Services & Safety

Yes.
Emergency service access arrangements will be maintained at all times throughout the event.
Traffic operations are managed by Queensland Police Service, event traffic management personnel and accredited traffic controllers.

Community Contact

Email: community@codefour.com
Community Hotline: 0467 705 443
The latest community notices, traffic maps, access information and event updates will be available on the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast Community Information page.