Mon, Oct 06, 2025
US Military Demo Teams Will Not Fly at the Upcoming Pacific Airshow
Side effects of the recent US government shutdown have made their way into the airshow side of things, with Pacific Airshow organizers confirming that some of its most iconic acts are no longer on the itinerary. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds and Royal Air Force Falcons will instead headline the event, standing in for the traditional USAF Thunderbirds performance.
“While this is certainly disappointing news, we are excited to share that Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach will continue as scheduled this Friday through Sunday with an outstanding lineup of world-class domestic and international performances,” said show director Kevin Elliott in a statement. “Fans can look forward to full days of thrilling performances, exciting activations, and the one-of-a-kind camaraderie and beach party atmosphere that Pacific Airshow is known for.”
The Thunderbirds were the most major act to be cut. The legendary team has captivated Pacific crowds for years, flying their signature formations along the beach throughout the show weekend. Other US military aircraft followed suit, including the F-35 Lightning II, F-22 Raptor, and A-10 Thunderbolt. The Navy Blue Angels were never booked for the 2025 Huntington Beach event, meaning not a single American military demonstration team will appear.
International performers are stepping up to help fill the gap. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, another crowd favorite, will now lead the event alongside the Royal Air Force Falcons parachute team from the United Kingdom. Civilian acts will include Aaron Fitzgerald flying the Red Bull BO-105, the historic B-29 “Doc,” and aerobatic pilots Emma McDonald and Luke Czepiela.
Despite the shake-up, the Pacific Airshow remains one of the largest by attendance in the United States, drawing hundreds of thousands to Huntington Beach each year. As long as the weather stays in its favor (unlike last year), 2025 should still be an exciting year for the show.
“We can’t wait to welcome you to the beach for another unforgettable weekend,” Elliot added.
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