In a significant development for Australia’s historic aviation community, Warbirds Downunder 2026 has been officially cancelled.
El Paso, Texas — Flights in and out of El Paso International Airport were suddenly halted on Wednesday, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary closure of the airspace affecting commercial, cargo, and medical flights in the border region. The restriction, originally announced as lasting up to ten days, was lifted after several hours following widespread confusion and criticism.
Read more: Unexpected Closure of El Paso Airport Sparks Confusion and Debate
The Royal Australian Air Force has confirmed significant changes to its heritage flying program, announcing that eight aircraft types will be withdrawn from active flying operations following a review of technical and airworthiness factors. The move reshapes what audiences may see at airshows and commemorative flypasts in coming seasons, while aiming to keep heritage flying safe and sustainable into the future.
Read more: RAAF heritage fleet reshaped as eight aircraft retire from flying duties
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its preliminary report into the serious accident involving aerobatic aircraft Wolf Pitts S1-11X VH-PVX during the Avalon Australian International Airshow in Victoria on 28 March 2025. The investigation remains ongoing, however the preliminary findings provide important early detail about the manoeuvre being flown, the altitude recorded in the cockpit video, and the aircraft’s condition prior to impact.
Read more: ATSB releases preliminary findings into Avalon Airshow crash involving Wolf Pitts VH-PVX