Franco Zeffirelli’s arena-scale production of Verdi’s Aida has been cancelled for a second time. The two scheduled performances at Adelaide Oval on Friday 26 February and Saturday 27 February 2027 will not take place.

Said a spokesperson for TEG (Ticketek Entertainment Group): “Unfortunately, the ongoing conflict and instability in the Middle East has resulted in massive increases in international freight and airfares, making it impossible to bring the large scale production to Adelaide.”

Aida at Arena di Verona. Photo supplied

Originally scheduled for February 2026 with Jonas Kaufmann and Angel Blue leading the cast, and then postponed due to global shipping challenges arising from the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, the production was to have featured 389 international performers and staff from the Fondazione Arena di Verona, complemented by 300 local cast and crew, including 155 extras and a 50-member chorus from State Opera South Australia.