The popular airshow in Atlantic City is taking a break for the next two years. This free event, which drew 500,000 visitors to the city last year, pumped $50 million into local businesses. Just weeks before showtime, the 2024 event collapsed when a key performer backed out. In its 20-year run, the show had only stopped once before, during the 2020 pandemic shutdown.

“After careful consideration, the Atlantic City Airshow will take a strategic pause for 2025. We will use this time to reevaluate the overall operations of the show – reevaluating community engagement, assessing costs, reviewing logistics and creatively considering what future Atlantic City Airshows could look like,” a spokesperson said.

The money loss hits hard. Four years ago, visitors spent $27.4 million at the event. Local businesses raked in $72 million total. That banner year created 668 jobs and generated $2.9 million in taxes.

Several organizations teamed up to put on the show. The New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing provided support, while The Borgata Hotel Casino, David Schultz Airshows, and WOND-AM worked together behind the scenes.

Star pilots dazzled crowds at past shows with spectacular moves. Performers like Kirby Chambliss soared through the sky, while Doug Dodge, Michael Hunter, John Klatt, and Sean Tucker kept spectators mesmerized. No other free event in New Jersey attracted such massive crowds.

During this hiatus, organizers will review everything from finances to safety protocols. They’re also aiming to build stronger connections with community groups. If things go according to plan, the show could return in 2026 with updates that make sense for current costs.