2024 Atlantic City Airshow canceled due to 'major act withdrawing,' officials say
For more than two decades, the airshow has brought hundreds of thousands of people to Atlantic City's beaches and boardwalk.
ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (WPVI) -- The 2024 Atlantic City Airshow has been canceled, officials announced on Wednesday afternoon.
"We regret to announce the cancellation of the 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow due to a major act withdrawing from the Airshow," said a joint statement released by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Visit Atlantic City and the South Jersey Transportation Authority.
"This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment it may cause. We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all who have supported this event over the past number of years," the statement continued.
Officials have not yet disclosed which act withdrew from the show that was planned for August 13 and 14.
The U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds told Action News they're no longer doing weekday shows and the Blue Angels said Atlantic City was not on their schedule this year.
We pressed city officials further about cancellations. The Chamber of Commerce had no further comment.
When asked if the SJTA pulled funding from the show, Executive Director Stephen F. Dougherty released a statement saying, "While this cancellation is regrettable, we remain dedicated with the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce and Visit Atlantic City to exploring future opportunities to bring this event back to the beach backdrop of Atlantic City."
For more than two decades, the airshow has brought hundreds of thousands of people to Atlantic City's beaches and boardwalk. In 2023, the event drew 485,000 people to the beachfront, officials said.
The show brings a big economic boost to local businesses as people come from all over to watch the military aircraft from the beach.
The airshow's fate was thrown into doubt earlier this year when questions surfaced about funding.
But in March, the governor's office said the SJTA was providing $300,000 for the show and it would be presented by the Atlantic City International Airport.
Mayor Marty Small Sr. released a statement on the cancellation saying, "We're sorry to hear the news the Airshow won't be happening this summer. The Small administration stepped up to do everything that needed to be done to save the Airshow earlier this year, but in the end this is a situation beyond the city's control."
