Avalon Airshow 2025: protesters descend on event in an attempt to disrupt traffic

Pro-Palestine protesters tried to block cars from the Avalon Airshow on the Princes Freeway.

Protesters have descended on the Avalon Airshow, causing traffic chaos for commuters on Wednesday.

Police closed the Beach Rd exit on the Princes Freeway about 8.30am as a group of protesters tried to block cars. By 8.40am traffic was banking up.

One aggrieved motorist leaned out of his car to shout “f**k Palestine” repeatedly.

Protesters are calling for an end to the airshow, which runs until Sunday, and claim some aircraft on display have been used in ongoing international conflict.

The protesters were holding signs saying: “Wrong way, baby killers turn back” and “Wrong way, murderer weapons turn back”.

Protesters have descended on Avalon causing traffic chaos.

A group of 15 protesters shouted: “Shame on you”, “Free, free Palestine, “We are the people” and “We won’t be silenced”.

Another sign read: “Wrong way. Murderers! Weapons! Turn back.”

Cars attending the airshow could be seen packed with passengers taking photos of the protesters.

When an Avalon internal shuttle bus drove past protesters held signs which read: “Genocide profiteers go to hell”.

Protesters descend on the Avalon Airshow. Picture: Brendan Kearns

When the exit closed the protesters turned their attention to traffic on the freeway.

Airshow organisers, AMDA Foundation, were aware that the protest was to take place and instructed attendees that the Beach Rd exit may be “compromised”.

Shortly after 9.00am the exit reopened to traffic.

Visitors from Melbourne were instead advised to take an alternative route via the Pt Wilson Rd exit.

Attendees travelling from Geelong were told to take the Lara exit.

The chief executive of AMDA, Justin Giddings, said the protest had only caused a “minor delay”.

“Patrons attending Avalon this morning from Melbourne experienced a minor delay at the Beach Road off ramp due to a small group of protesters,” he said.

“In the interest of safety, Victoria Police stopped traffic to clear the road and traffic movement resumed shortly later. All airshow attendees arrived on time.

“Traffic is free-flowing into the event with no significant delays.”

The airshow itself was bustling with activity, now in its second day. The trade day played host to defence companies including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems.

The event had 50 per cent more first-day attendees than the last event in 2023.

“Our first two days in the industry exhibition halls have been very strong, with 50 per cent more first-day attendees than we had at the last event in 2023,” said Mr Giddings.

“Our exhibitors are reporting quality engagement and a buzz of interest across the exhibition.

“And we are expecting a bumper weekend airshow. The United States Air Force F-22 Raptor and F-16 Fighting Falcon teams have confirmed their participation and will be here soon.”

Police were at the front gate of the airshow, and mobile policing units were present inside. They previously warned that any violence at protests at the airshow will “not be tolerated”

The protesters packed down their tent just after 9:30am, and the first of their cars left the site at 9:53am.

Police spoke to the group prior to them leaving.

A member said some of the group were planning to remain at the site while the others left.

Protester Lara Brown said that the demonstration was meant to show that the airshow “is part of a war machine”.

“I think we just want to say again and again, every chance we get, sanction Israel.”

She said disruption and awareness was the purpose of their protest today.

Earlier police warned of bolstered presence and said violence would not be tolerated.

“Police are aware of planned protest activity and will have ample resources available to respond swiftly to any incidents both within the event grounds and in surrounding areas as required,” a spokesman said.

“Police respect the right for peaceful protest however any unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Three protesters were seen talking to police over an alleged public urination incident.

“The police were actually filming a comrade urinating, which we got permission that we could urinate,” said a protester.

A police officer was overheard saying that “urinating in a public place is offensive behaviour”.

After a conversation with police the three protesters returned to the main group.

A police officer told one protester: “You may receive paperwork in relation to tampering with a motor vehicle”

“What’s new?,” they shouted in response.

Originally published as Avalon Airshow 2025: protesters descend on event in an attempt to disrupt traffic