F-22 Raptor cancels New Zealand airshow debut as US shifts focus to Iran conflict
April 3, 2026
As the US military escalates its offensive against Iran in the Middle East, the US Air Force’s F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team has cancelled its planned upcoming performances at the biennial Warbirds Over Wanaka air show in New Zealand, scrapping what would have been the fifth-generation air superiority fighter’s debut appearance in the country.
This rare overseas appearance of the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team at Warbirds Over Wanaka was announced by US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) command and event organisers in January.
While the event is held at Wanaka Airport on New Zealand’s South Island, its runway is too short for fast-jet operations, meaning that the two F-22As expected to deploy for the event would have been deployed to Christchurch Airport for the event.
The team’s participation was billed as one of the main attractions of the 2026 event, with an F-22A – flown by the team commander, Capt Nick ‘Laz’ Le Trouneau – being scheduled to fly in formation with several historic aircraft types during the air show, which will be held from 3-5 April.
The team’s withdrawal from this year’s event comes as Washington steps up combat operations against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury, which has thrown the entire Middle East region and global supply of energy into chaos.
Commenting on the cancellation of the F-22A’s highly anticipated debut appearance at the event to Stars and Stripes, 1st Lt Kate Anderson – a PACAF spokeswoman – said: “Due to operational requirements, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw our military aircraft from Warbirds Over Wanaka. We deeply regret this outcome and the disappointment it causes…
“Our partnership with New Zealand and the air show organisers remains firm, and we are grateful for their understanding. We are fully committed to this relationship and look forward to future opportunities,” she added.
New Zealand also pulls military aircraft out of Warbirds Over Wanaka
The withdrawal of the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team from the flying display line-up at this year’s edition of Warbirds Over Wanaka comes shortly after the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) cancelled planned appearances from several of its operational aircraft types. This now means that there will be no active military aircraft in attendance at this year’s event.
Along with the planned debut appearance of the F-22A Raptor, Warbirds Over Wanaka was initially expected to welcome a number of active RNZAF aircraft, which would have been a major draw for members of the public attending the biennially held event.
Radio New Zealand reported that the decision to cancel these appearances was due to rising fuel costs, which, by extension, is a result of the ongoing military campaign in the Middle East.
In a statement posted on the event’s website on 27 March, Ed Taylor – the general manager of the Warbirds Over Wanaka event – said: “We never guarantee any aircraft will be at the air show as there are many reasons they may have to pull out – especially the military, which may be required elsewhere at short notice as has been the case in the past.”
As stated, several RNZAF aircraft types were expected to participate in the event. This would have included a debut appearance from the RNZAF’s newly acquired fleet of C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transports, which are operated by No 40 Squadron from RNZAF Base Auckland, as well as a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from No 5 Squadron at RNZAF Base Ohakea.
In addition, the air show was expected to welcome what would have likely been the final appearance of the RNZAF’s ageing fleet of Boeing 757-2K2 strategic transports, which are also operated by No 40 Squadron and will be replaced by two Airbus A321XLRs. The RNZAF’s T-6C Texan II-equipped national aerobatic team, the Black Falcons, have also cancelled their appearance at the show.
Notable appearances from an NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) and A109LUH – both of which are operated by the RNZAF’s No 3 Squadron at Ohakea – have also been cancelled, as well as the planned participation of an SH-2G(I) Seasprite – operated by the RNZAF’s No 6 Squadron from Auckland but flown by Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) aircrew.
While the military has pulled out of Warbirds Over Wanaka for operational and logistical reasons, the show will continue to go ahead as planned with a host of historic military aircraft and civil aircraft demonstrations. “This is going to be a huge airshow with up to 100 display aircraft and around 70 of them flying,” Taylor added.
Featured Image: The USAF’s F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team performs an air display over the Ohio River during the Thunder Over Louisville Air Show on 23 April 2022. Photo: US Air National Guard/Dale Greer
