Snowbirds, CF-18, Vintage Warbirds, Drone Show and New Performer Meet-and-Greet Highlight 2026 Airshow
GATINEAU, QC – Aviation enthusiasts of all ages are invited to experience one of Canada’s premier airshows as AERO Gatineau-Ottawa returns to the Gatineau Airport from September 18–20, 2026, featuring an exciting lineup of current military demonstrations, vintage aircraft, aerobatic performers, and family-friendly attractions.
The 2026 event opens on Friday, September 18, with gates opening at 5PM and closing at 9PM, culminating in a spectacular Fusion Drone Show. Saturday and Sunday, gates open at 10AM with full flying displays from 12:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. New this year, any general admission ticket is valid for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, giving visitors added flexibility when planning their weekend. All performances are subject to change.
“This year’s lineup promises an exciting three days of high-speed and inspiring performances,” said John Bennett, Director General, AERO Gatineau-Ottawa. “We have some returning favourites including The Snowbirds 8 aircraft demo team, the CF-18 tactical demonstration, and The SkyHawks parachute performance, along with several first-time performers that are sure to become crowd favourites. We are also thrilled to present the De Havilland Mosquito; one of very few still flying in the entire world!”
The 2026 flying program includes:
- Canadian Forces Snowbirds, celebrating 55 years of thrilling audiences in Canada and around the world in the iconic CT-114 Tutor aircraft.
- RCAF CF-18 Hornet Tactical Demonstration, showcasing Canada’s frontline jet fighter.
- Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team, also celebrating 55 years as the precision military parachute team showcasing complex canopy relative work since 1971.
- De Havilland DH.98 Mosquito “Mossie”, the legendary all-wooden Second World War aircraft renowned for its speed.
- Grumman Avenger TBM-3E, the famed World War II torpedo bomber and anti-submarine aircraft.
- Time Flies Airshows, featuring the Nanchang CJ-6 and the H101 Salto sailplane—one of the few glider demonstrations performing at airshows worldwide, including unique manoeuvres while in tow.
- The Northern Stars, flying three classic Pitts Special aircraft in precision formation.
- Kyle Fowler Aerosports, performing in the unique Berkut Four—catch this aircraft doing unique routines in both the twilight and daytime shows; nothing else on the circuit like it!
- Yellow Thunder, The Watson Brothers flying their iconic yellow Harvard aircraft in close aerobatic formation.
- Vintage Wings of Canada Victory Flight, showcasing a Hawker Hurricane MK XII, P-51D Mustang, and Supermarine Spitfire MK IX.
- YAK-52TW, a high-speed aerobatic Russian trainer.
- Fusion Drone Shows, returning to light up the Friday evening sky with over 100 drones and pyrotechnics.
New for 2026, fans will have the opportunity to meet many of the pilots and performers at a dedicated Meet the Performers Tent, where scheduled autograph sessions and photo opportunities will take place throughout the weekend. Signing times will be announced during the event.
AERO Gatineau-Ottawa is made possible through the support of valued government, tourism and industry partners, including the City of Gatineau, the Gatineau Airport, Tourisme Québec, Tourisme Outaouais, CAE, Saab and KF Aerospace. Their continued support helps bring one of Canada’s premier aviation events to the National Capital Region each year.
Located just 20 kilometers east of downtown Ottawa and approximately 90 minutes from Montreal, the Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport offers an ideal setting for aviation fans from across the region. Access to the airshow is via shuttle. Pickup points are from multiple Gatineau transit hubs and include adjacent parking lots.
Tickets are now available at: https://aerogatineauottawa.com/tickets/
For event information, frequently asked questions and visitor details, visit:
