World's tallest rollercoaster demolished after it closed for good – first opened in 2005

The tallest roller coaster in the world, Kingda Ka, at 456 feet, was demolished after operating from 2005 to 2024 at Six Flags in the USA. The controlled implosion that brought down the record-breaking ride was due to the high maintenance costs and reliability issues, according to users online. Six Flags Entertainment promised, after demolishing the popular ride, that it would invest more than $1billion over the next two years across its network of 42 theme parks.

The company has said it will spend the money on new rides, attractions, themed areas, F&B upgrades, and infrastructure and technology enhancements. A record-breaking launch coaster will replace Kingda Ka in 2026, with more details to come. This year, Six Flags plans include the new AlpenFury coaster at Canada’s Wonderland, an expansion for Carowinds’ Camp Snoopy, the Rapterra coaster at Kings Dominion and the RiverRacers water coaster at Kings Island’s Soak City.

Six Flags Great America will open a record-breaking dive coaster called Wrath of Rakshasa, and Six Flags New England is debuting the Quantum Accelerator launch coaster.

Matt Kaiser, American Coaster Enthusiast, told USA Today: “A lot of people are still emotionally attached to Kingda Ka. It’s a really big deal for it to come down. It’s one of the first things you see when you drive in, before you even get to the park. It’s just been so iconic.”

At the time of the ride’s retirement announcement, Six Flags President Brian Bacica said, “We understand that saying goodbye to beloved rides can be difficult, and we appreciate our guests’ passion. These changes are an important part of our growth and dedication to delivering exceptional new experiences.”

Users went online to share their opinion on its closure, with one commenting: “I loved this coaster so much. I remember I was on it and we didn’t get over the top, so they had to relaunch us, easily one of my favorite feelings, the launch twice.”

With another adding: “I remember trying to scream on that first drop and no noise came out of my mouth. I have never experienced the force like that on any coaster. Not even skydiving gives you that feeling. RIP old friend. Glad I could say I rode you!”

Whilst a third user commented: “When I was like 15 I used to love going online and watching videos on rollercoasters, and this one was always a dream of mine to ride… I’m 33 and never got the chance living in the UK.”