2024 FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Airshow?
The Canadian International Air Show (CIAS) is held annually on the Labour Day Weekend. This year the show will take place on Saturday, September 2nd, Sunday, September 3rd, and Monday September 4th, from 12:00pm – 3:30pm daily. Our practice days will be both Thursday August 31st and Friday September 1st from Noon to 4pm with breaks.
Where can I watch the Airshow?
The Exclusive Air Show Zone (1095 Lake Shore Blvd. West) is located directly in front of center stage and has live narration of the event playing throughout. The show can also be seen from some areas within the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Fair. Additional viewing areas are available across the Lakeshore, however it would be a side view of the maneuvers and no speakers to hear the narration.
Our Exclusive Air Show Zone is open to ticket holders each day of the show from 10:00 am – 3:30 pm. There is a pre-show Water Display taking place from 11:30 am-11:59 am, so be sure to come down early to enjoy this new event. Flying starts at 12:00pm! Please also visit our Location page for maps and more details on how to find the Exclusive Air Show Zone.
Can I buy tickets?
Tickets to our Exclusive Air Show Zone will be available to purchase in May 2024.
Sign up at the bottom of this page to become an Insider and you’ll receive ticket information and up to a 50%* discount for 2024 tickets (*limited time during ticket launch).
Having trouble purchasing a ticket? Please contact our ticketing support at help@authentigate.ca.
*Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable including but not limited to the case of implement weather.
Will the flying schedule be available?
We will be publishing the flying schedule each morning, and it will be emailed to our CIAS Insider inboxes. However, the schedule is subject to change due to weather and maintenance.
What is a CIAS Insider?
CIAS Insiders are fans who sign up to receive email notices. They are the only ones to receive discount codes for our Airshow tickets. They also receive notices on performer announcements before publicly announced, behind the scene videos, exclusive contest giveaways and receive the flying schedule each show day. There is no cost to sign up to become a CIAS Insider.
Who will be flying?
Check our Performer page on our website for the most up-to-date list of performers. Many of our acts are from active serving units in the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Air Force. They will confirm closer to the show weekend. Visit our website regularly for updated information. However, acts are subject to change due to weather and maintenance.
What should I bring?
We recommend: A refillable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes to walk on the grass, credit or debit card as we are cashless, sunscreen, ear plugs for those with sensitive ears, oh, and don’t forget your tickets!
Air Show Narration & Live Streaming
Back by popular demand, for the 2023 Show the CIAS will be live streaming. Viewers will be able to select a narration-only stream or a live video stream. Effective Saturday, September 2nd at 11:30am EST, both options will be made available to the public on the home page www.cias.org.
Where can I park?
Yes, Green P paid parking lots, Exhibition Place and Ontario Place have accessibility parking available and are accessibility compliant. Those unable to climb stairs should enter the Exclusive Air Show Zone (see the map) via British Columbia Drive across Lakeshore or via the Ontario Place West Bridge (south of BMO Field and the Northern Comfort Saloon). Once at Ontario Place there are additional ramps that lead to the Bike Path across the south side of Lakeshore Blvd. Follow this bike path past the Bailey Bridge (you will go under the bridge) and the entrance to the Exclusive Air Show Zone will be on your left.
Note: The Bailey bridge is not accessible to those with mobility support equipment or strollers.
Is the Airshow accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, Green P parking lots, Exhibition Place and Ontario Place have accessibility parking available and are accessibility compliant.
Will planes of the Airshow fly over the city?
Aircraft appearing in the CIAS are stationed at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Pearson International Airport and transport from those airports to the show site. At times they may be flying over the city. All flights are in accordance with regulations put forth by aviation governing bodies.
Is the show safe?
Safety is of paramount importance at the Canadian International Air Show, and we are conscious of concerns with respect to safety and noise. The Canadian International Air Show follows all safety guidelines and regulations as dictated by aviation authorities and holds our performers accountable to the same high safety standards.
We employ aviation industry professionals across our membership including controllers, military representatives, and emergency services. The CIAS has a strictly professional-run emergency response committee comprised of members of the Toronto Police Services, Fire Services and EMS. We also have a well-developed incident plan. Performers and key personnel attend pre-show safety briefings daily and daily debriefs post-show.
Who regulates noise?
The Canadian International Air Show complies with all regulations, including those published by Transport Canada relating to noise.
I have more questions; who can I contact?
Calls can be made to the head office of the Canadian International Air Show at 416.263.3650. You may also send an e-mail to info@cias.org.
Please note that while we will make every attempt to respond to your query on a timely basis, the office is extremely busy during the show week and will respond to your phone message or e-mail as soon as possible.
What if there is inclement weather?
In the event of inclement weather, some performances may be modified (flat show, low show) or cancelled for safety reasons. However, our exhibitors and displays are still available on-site, as well as meet & greet opportunities with the performers for guests to enjoy.
If the show is cancelled fully, the CIAS would notify ticket holders via email with any instructions. However, unless unsafe to do so, the exhibitors and displays, as well as autograph sessions, would continue. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable including but not limited to the case of inclement weather.
Don’t forget, your ticket gets you same-day access to the CNE to experience all they have to offer too!
If the show is cancelled will I receive a refund?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds on airshow tickets. However, all performers have high, low and flat shows that can be flown safely for different types of weather. In the event of a cancellation, the Performers will still be on hand to sign autographs as well as our exhibits and displays will be available. Also, each Airshow ticket gets you same-day access to the CNE to experience all that they have to offer.
Do I need to bring a chair?
If you purchase a ticket to the Exclusive Air Show Zone (either General Admission or Flight Deck) both areas include seating. The General Admission has rows of chairs to sit and enjoy the show from under a tree or full view for that perfect picture. The Flight Deck also has seating for all guests. This chalet has round tables with 4 chairs and we do have umbrellas available.
Is food available?
For guests who buy tickets within the Exclusive Air Show Zone, food is available. We have two ticket options: General Admission & Flight Deck.
For General Admission guests food trucks and a Refuelling station bar are available to purchase drinks and eats.
For Flight Deck guests your chalet includes an open bar with wine, beer, pop and water as well as a lunch buffet featuring meat, vegetarian and vegan options plus sides, salads and tasty desserts.
Is there a static display of aircraft?
No, we are an over-water show and therefore we only have the Air Display. All of our aircraft are based out of two extremely busy international airports and as such there is no access to the aircraft. However, being an over the water show we will entertain you with a 3.5 hour jam packed air show.