Canada is Grounding The Iconic Snowbirds After the 2026 Season and They Won’t Return For Years

Canada’s skies will look a lot emptier after this year. Defence Minister David McGuinty announced yesterday that the military is grounding the legendary Canadian Forces Snowbirds after the 2026 flying season. This decision marks the end of an era for the beloved aerial acrobatic team.

The military will place the iconic CT-114 Tutor jets into retirement while they wait for brand-new replacement planes. However, fans must prepare for a long wait, as the squadron won’t take flight again until the early 2030s.

The end of the road for the 1960s Tutor jets

The team has flown the Canadian-built CT-114 Tutor jets since the squadron’s inception in 1971. But these planes first entered service in the 1960s, making them more than six decades old. Maintenance crews now face massive challenges keeping the outdated fleet safe and airworthy.

Former Defence Minister Bill Blair previously ordered a comprehensive review of the fleet due to mounting maintenance costs. Though the jets received recent upgrades to extend their lifespans, the Department of National Defence insists the air force must retire the planes immediately after the 2026 season.

A modern replacement waits on the horizon

The military selected the Swiss-made CT-157 Siskin II turbo-prop aircraft to replace the old Tutors. The air force already uses this modern model for its initial pilot training programs. The government plans to add extra aircraft to their existing order to build the new Snowbirds fleet.

The procurement and manufacturing process takes time. Because of this timeline, the squadron will remain out of service for several years. Officials expect the team to rebuild its distinctive nine-plane formation by the early 2030s.

What this means for local Canadian air shows

This news deals a heavy blow to major local events, including the Abbotsford International Airshow and the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto. Millions of Canadians gather every summer to watch the team perform their thrilling flypasts.

During the multi-year hiatus, the air force promises to support local air shows using other aircraft. However, organizers will have to rely on operational fleets instead of the dedicated demonstration squadron. You can track official schedule updates and announcements directly on the Royal Canadian Air Force homepage.

Here is what you need to know about the transition:

• The team will complete the entire 2026 season as scheduled.
• Pilots will remain stationed at their home base, 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan.
• The team will transition to the CT-157 Siskin II once the planes arrive.

How do you feel about the Snowbirds taking a multi-year break? Will you be heading out to see their final flights this summer? Let us know in the comments below.

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