Snowbirds leaving CNE Air Show until 2030s and will return worse than ever

This year will be the last chance to see the Snowbirds at the CNE Air Show in Toronto until the 2030s.

The fate of the beloved Canadian Forces Snowbirds has been up in the air for the past week, but now it's official: the iconic aerobatic team will be grounded for quite some time.

At a May 19 press conference in Moose Jaw, Minister of National Defence David McGuinty announced that the Snowbirds will perform for the final time this year.

The longtime Canadian symbol – and a staple of Toronto's annual CNE Air Show – will be retired temporarily as the federal government phases out its aging CT-114 Tutor jets. 

McGuinty says the Department of National Defence plans to purchase new propeller-driven CT-157 Siskin II jets for the future Snowbirds team, which won't be operational until at least 2030.

For many fans, it marks the end of an era, and many are questioning the switch from jet aircraft to propeller-driven aircraft.

Horrible decision. The Snowbird replacement should be another jet aircraft, not a prop plane.

— MLB (@MLB120012) May 19, 2026

Upon hearing the news, one user on X exclaimed, "how embarrassing for the Canadian military."

You're using a turboprop? How embarrassing for the Canadian Military

— BigDudeStew (@BigDudeStew1) May 19, 2026

For generations, the Snowbirds' vintage red and white jets, thunderous roar and tight synchronicity have been a huge part of the CNE Air Show. With the team stepping away for such a lengthy period, the show is going to feel very different next year.

Catch the 'Birds in action one final time at the 77th Canadian International Air Show, which closes out the CNE for Labour Day Weekend from Sept. 5 to 7, 2026.