That is according to show general manager Ed Taylor, who said he felt sorry for accommodation and hospitality providers in Wanaka.
"I hope New Zealanders can still come to Wanaka."
The show usually attracts about 3000 overseas visitors, who stay on after the show for several weeks.
"We’ve had emails from people in England who are just absolutely gutted.
"Airplane spotters travel the world going to airshows and for them it’s a real devastation."
Yesterday, he and his warbirds team were pulling apart the arrangements they have been making for the last two years.
The temporary grandstand alongside the runway at Wanaka Airport is being taken down, and preparations are being made to refund tickets already sold.
Mr Taylor said there was too much uncertainty to simply postpone the show until later this year, and a show next year would clash with an airshow in Blenheim.
Therefore, planning would begin shortly for the next show at Wanaka, in 2022.
Mr Taylor said there was "no doubt" the trust that operated the show would take a financial hit, but it was in a "reasonably healthy position".
