NSW Plans Return of Vivid Sydney Drone Show, Boosting Nighttime Aviation Event

New South Wales is advancing plans to bring back the Vivid Sydney drone show, an aerial display event that will significantly involve coordinated use of unmanned aircraft systems in night-time airspace over the Sydney harbour area.

The Vivid Sydney drone show, part of the broader annual festival of light and creativity, was first introduced to global acclaim for its integration of dozens of autonomous drones flying choreographed patterns above water and urban landmarks. The proposed 2026 revival aims to return the spectacle with updated aerial routines and expanded drone fleets, highlighting advancements in drone technology and public engagement with aviation innovation.

Drone shows of this scale require intricate operational planning involving civil aviation regulators, event coordinators and local air traffic authorities. In Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) sets stringent requirements for unmanned aircraft systems operating in controlled airspace, particularly when flights occur over populated areas and near major airports. NSW organisers will work closely with CASA and Air Services Australia to secure flight approvals, temporary restricted airspace and safety protocols tailored to the display periods.

The return of the drone show illustrates how unmanned aviation is increasingly woven into public events, requiring rigorous risk assessment, robust command and control systems and compliance with regulatory frameworks that govern vehicle performance, pilot licensing, and geofencing. Downtime in previous years was partly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving airspace use constraints; the renewed effort seeks to capitalise on improved drone fleet capabilities and public appetite for aerial spectacles.

Organisers have indicated that lessons from earlier drone displays, including flight sequencing, collision avoidance and crowd safety measures, will inform design and execution. The focus on safety is a hallmark of large-scale drone operations; synchronised flights near urban infrastructure demand precise GPS coordination and redundant communications links between ground control stations and individual aircraft.

As plans firm up, NSW officials and aviation stakeholders will balance drone show aspirations with parallel demands on Sydney’s airspace, particularly during peak maritime traffic and commercial flight activity at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport. Temporary flight restrictions and NOTAMs will likely be issued to ensure the event does not intersect with scheduled airline operations, as has been standard practice for previous public airspace events.

Integration of drone shows into cultural events has been seen globally as a way to showcase unmanned aviation technology, inspire STEM audiences and promote innovation ecosystems. The revival in Sydney aligns with similar initiatives internationally where local governments and event producers negotiate with aviation authorities to enable safe and compliant drone displays.

For aviation professionals and event planners, the announcement represents the growing intersection of recreational or entertainment flying with regulated airspace management. Ensuring that public safety, air traffic coordination and unmanned vehicle standards are upheld remains central to the successful execution of drone shows of this magnitude.

The NSW government expects to release more details on timing, display scope and logistical planning in the weeks ahead, with aviation regulators poised to begin formal approval processes as part of early-stage coordination.