August 16, 2025

Pacific Airshow to take flight in Huntington Beach

News Summary

The California Coastal Commission has approved the Pacific Airshow permit, allowing the event to take place in Huntington Beach. Scheduled for October 3 to 5, the airshow will feature numerous military and civilian flight teams, all while adhering to environmental protections. Despite concerns from activists, the event promises significant economic benefits and community involvement, including free tickets for local students. This year’s approval reflects an ongoing dialogue about balancing economic growth with environmental responsibilities.

Huntington Beach, California – The California Coastal Commission approved a permit for the Pacific Airshow on August 15, allowing the popular event to take place from October 3 to 5 in Huntington Beach. The airshow, which has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors since its inception in 2016, had previously been conducted without obtaining the necessary permits from either state or city authorities.

The event, organized by Code Four, will showcase more than two dozen military and civilian flight teams performing aerial demonstrations over a one-mile stretch of the coastline. This year’s schedule looks to be more exciting than ever, featuring new, larger acts alongside additional entertainment options such as art installations, drone displays, sandcastle competitions, and freestyle motocross demonstrations.

Environmental Protections and Conditions

The Coastal Commission’s approval of the permit includes 21 conditions designed to mitigate the event’s environmental impact and protect public beach access. Key conditions include:

Maintaining two vertical public access routes to the shoreline throughout the event, ensuring visitors can access the beach even within the ticketed area.
Submitting a plan that addresses potential environmental impacts from emergency fuel dumps that may occur during the show.
Extensive biological monitoring to evaluate the impact of the airshow on local bird species.
A prohibition on jets flying below 1,000 feet over the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve to minimize disturbances to wildlife.

In addition, Code Four has agreed to contribute $274,758 towards public access and habitat enhancement projects at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, an effort to rectify previous unauthorized uses of public land.

Community Commitment

Furthermore, the organization has committed to providing a minimum of 1,500 free tickets to local Title 1 school students and their families, as well as to vulnerable groups including neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities. This initiative aims to enhance community involvement and inclusivity during the event.

Economic Impact

Local officials, including Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns, highlighted the significant economic benefits the airshow brings to the city, estimating an annual contribution of approximately $120 million to the local economy. The event not only draws in crowds but also supports businesses and tourism in the region.

Concerns Raised by Environmental Activists

Despite the economic advantages, some environmental activists have voiced strong concerns regarding the airshow’s environmental effects. They have called for more robust protections for the Bolsa Chica wetlands and stricter oversight to ensure compliance with environmental regulations during the event.

Legal Matters Surrounding the Airshow

The city of Huntington Beach has faced legal controversies related to the airshow, including a lawsuit settlement involving a canceled event in 2021 due to an oil spill. This settlement required the city to pay nearly $5 million to the airshow operator. Additionally, former city officials have filed a separate lawsuit seeking to overturn this settlement, alleging it constitutes an illegal gift of public funds.

Future Permitting Process

This year’s permit granted by the Coastal Commission is a one-time approval, meaning that future applications for the airshow will require a new permitting process. This development concerns both organizers and local officials as they navigate the evolving dynamics of environmental compliance and community expectations.

The Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach remains a key event for the community, balancing the interests of economic growth with the need for environmental protection and public accessibility.