It has been going on behind the scenes for a while, but there is movement for the show to return.
The full article isn't online yet however NMD council are seemingly talking about it with multi-party support and it is mentioned about talks with Causeway Coast and Glens on the possibility of a bi-annual show, so that NI has one major show a year.
So it seems like the plan will be Newcastle takes place in the years Portrush doesn't happen. Not sure if this means NI International Airshow will alternate between Newcastle and Portrush or just co-ordination so we have at least one airshow every year and Newcastle taking place in the years Portrush doesn't.
It most likely will be combined with Eats and Beats, something that was expected.
Full article is now online.
http://www.thedownrecorder.co.uk/pages/?title=Airshow_could_be_set_for_return
Here's hoping.
Workshop is still "on-going" with discussions with another council. So in my opinion (nothing official and just going from bits I've heard) it will be 2027 if it does return IF they are taking it year about with Portrush.
A small update today
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=970744291813770&set=a.433117682243103
Deff not happening in 2025.
Another meeting was held between the two councils recently (since the last post)
Nothing new really, just reported there had been more talks, but confirms Portrush will return in 2026 which makes 2027 for Newcastle the most likely still if the councils are taking it year about.
https://www.explorecausewaycoastandglens.com/blog/tourism-team-explores-air-show-cooperation-with-newry-mourne-down-council
There seems to have been alot of work going on in the background with the NMD council regarding Newcastle's return. Obtained from a FOI.
11 March 2025 -Meeting with Causeway Coast and Glen re Air Show collaboration/opportunity
18 April 2025 Meeting with Ards and North Down Council re Air Show collaboration/opportunity
13 May 2025 Internal staff meeting
13 May 2025 Meeting with Mournes Councillors
17 May 2025 Meeting with Bray Airshow re Air Show collaboration/opportunity
3 June 2025 Meeting Causeway Coast and Glen re Air Show collaboration/opportunity
2 July 2025 Internal staff meeting
18 July 2025 Internal staff meeting
18 July 2025 Engagement with / attendance at Portrush Open to review Airbourne Pyrotechnics
19 September 2025 Engagement with MOD re logistics and costings
6 October 202 Engagement with Flight Director re logistics and costings
12 November 2025 Internal staff meeting
20 November 2025 Request to Causeway Coast and Glen re follow up discussions
1 December 2025 Meeting with Members on events including discussion on Festival of Flight.