Warbirds Over Wanaka (WOW) organisers are facing the possibility of not having gate sales on the Saturday of the international airshow for the first time in the event’s 36-year history.

There has been huge interest in the first Wānaka airshow in six years after the 2020 and 2022 airshows were cancelled due to Covid-19, WOW general manager Ed Taylor said. 

“I just think airshow fans have decided they’re not prepared to wait another day and are snapping up Saturday tickets flat out,” Ed said.

He still expects there will be gate sales on the Friday and Sunday, but he cannot say the same for Saturday, which is always the most popular day but is “way more popular” this time around.

“The only thing I can tell people is if you want to guarantee a general admission ticket for the Saturday then you should get them soon.”

Ed added that a limited number of Gold Passes have become available via Ticketek.  

“Gold Passes sold out before Christmas but this small number are now available and once they’re gone there will be no more.”

Ed said while pent up demand is a big factor for organisers this time around, they also have one of the best line-up of aircraft displays in many years. 

“I’ve been involved since 2012 and this is the best overall line-up we’ve had in that time,” he said.  

They include a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a Mosquito, the return of the Corsair, and Brendon Deere’s beautifully restored P-51 Mustang, among others.

There will also be the USAF F-16 Fighting Falcons, C-17 Globemaster, the American Eagles and the farewell to the mighty RNZAF Hercules making for “a heady mix for both aviation enthusiasts and families looking for a fantastic day out,” Ed said.

Read more: ‘Mosquito’ confirmed for Warbirds Over Wānaka

Read more: Fast and furious F-16 display billed for Warbirds

“They’ll be talking about this one for many, many years,” Ed said.

Warbirds Over Wānaka International Airshow 2024 will take place over Easter weekend.

PHOTO: Supplied