Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for detailed information and answers about the 2024 Abbotsford International Airshow.

General

When is the Airshow?

The 2024 Abbotsford Airshow dates are August 9, 10 & 11

What time is the Airshow?

The Airshow Grounds are open to the public during the following hours:

  • Friday, August 9: 2:30PM to 10:00PM
    Last entry @ 7:30PM
  • Saturday, August 10: 9:30AM to 5:00PM
    Last entry @ 2:30PM
  • Sunday, August 11: 9:30AM to 5:00PM
    Last entry @ 2:30PM

For a tentative schedule of flying events, please see our SCHEDULE page.

Which acts are performing each day?

Most airshow performers are expected to perform each day, except where specifically noted on our PERFORMERS page.

For a tentative schedule of flying events, please see our SCHEDULE page.

All expected Airshow performances are subject to change, modification, or cancellation without notice. Please note that such changes, modifications, or cancellations are not grounds for a refund on tickets. Please see our Ticket Terms & Conditions for full information.

Is there a flying schedule available each day?

For a tentative schedule of flying events, please see our SCHEDULE page.

IMPORTANT: All expected Airshow performances are subject to change, modification, or cancellation without notice. Please note that such changes, modifications, or cancellations are not grounds for a refund on tickets. Please see our Ticket Terms & Conditions for full information.

What if it rains?

In the event of inclement weather, some performances may be modified or canceled for safety reasons. Please note that such modifications or cancellations are not grounds for a refund on tickets. If an entire show day were to be canceled, Airshow staff would make this decision before the show starts and publicize the cancellation via our social media platforms, along with subsequent instructions for ticket holders sent via email.

Please see our Ticket Terms & Conditions for full information.

Ticket Buying

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online in advance at AbbotsfordAirshow.com/tickets.

Tickets are limited in quantity and will increase in price as the event approaches.

How do I show my tickets at the gate?

Tickets may be presented either printed or on your mobile device in electronic form.

To assist us in an expedient entry process, please have your ticket ready prior to arrival at the gate. If you are displaying it on a mobile device, please ensure the QR code is visible and your device’s display brightness is all the way up.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

The Airshow has a limited daily capacity and is anticipated to sell out in advance.

Tickets are unlikely to be available for purchase onsite at the gate. All guests are recommended to purchase their tickets online in advance.

I'm having technical difficulties with the ticketing site

For help with ticketing site technical issues, please submit your inquiry directly to Eventsprout for assistance.

What if I can’t find my tickets?

A confirmation email from “[email protected]” will be sent to you within 10 minutes of purchasing your tickets, including a link to access your electronic tickets.

If you did not receive the confirmation email, please check your SPAM/JUNK folder as automated emails can often get caught there.

If you still cannot find your tickets, please visit this link and enter the email address used at purchase to receive the confirmation email again.

If you are still having issues, please submit your inquiry directly to Eventsprout for assistance.

Can I change the date(s) of my ticket?

Please submit your ticket change request directly to Eventsprout here.

Please note that ticket exchanges are not guaranteed and refunds are not available in the event your change request cannot be accommodated.

Are children free?

Children ages 5 and under are free and do not require a Walk-in General Admission ticket or count towards vehicle capacity for General Admission with Onsite Parking passes.

All guests ages 3 and up require a separate ticket in ALL upgraded seating venues including:

  • President’s Club
  • Photo Pit
  • Family Garden
  • Prospera Runway Seating
  • Corporate Chalets, and Business Lounges.

Children 2 and under do not require a ticket in these areas, but must be held on an adult’s lap (no seat) and no included amenities (food/beverage) are provided.

Are there discounts for military?

Thank you for your service. We are pleased to offer complimentary Walk-in General Admission to active & retired military members of Canada and her Allies. No ticket is required, please show a valid military or veterans ID at the walk-in gate at Chinook Aviation ( 30660 Rotor Dr.) for entry. 

For other ticket types, we are pleased to offer an exclusive military discount. Please send your proof of military service (photo of military ID) to [email protected] to obtain access to the discount.

Please note that the military ID must match the ticket purchaser’s name and will be required to be shown at the event entrance.

Can I give my ticket to a friend?

Yes. The attendee using the ticket does not need to match the purchaser’s name on the ticket.

We recommend only accepting tickets from a source you trust. The Airshow will not honour any ticket(s) obtained from unauthorized sources if they turn out to be lost, stolen, void or counterfeit.

Please note that third party ticket holders are not able to make any changes/upgrades/add-ons to the tickets.

Can I re-sell my ticket?

The attendee using the ticket does not need to match the purchaser’s name on the ticket. HOWEVER, per our ticket terms & conditions, the resale of this ticket in any manner contrary to applicable law or regulation is prohibited.

We do not recommend purchase tickets from a re-seller and doing so is solely at the buyer’s own risk. The Airshow will not honour any ticket(s) obtained from unauthorized sources if they turn out to be lost, stolen, void or counterfeit.

Please note that third party ticket holders are not able to make any changes/upgrades/add-ons to the tickets.

Can I get a refund?

Airshow tickets are non-refundable. Refunds and credits are not available in the event you cannot or do not attend the Airshow.

Our full ticket terms & conditions are available here.

Information about 2020/2021 ticket credits

Ticket credit holders will be notified by email in advance of 2023 tickets going on sale with instructions on how to redeem their credit towards 2024 Airshow tickets. Email notifications will be sent to the address used for the original ticket purchase.

Refunds are not available on ticket credits.

What are ticket fees for?

Ticketing fees cover event ticket and payment processing costs including ticketing software and payment processing fees. The Airshow does not generate any revenue from ticketing fees and works closely with our ticketing partner to keep fees well below industry averages.

The largest influence on ticketing fees is the cost of credit card payment processing, which continues to increase every year.

General Admission

What do General Admission Vehicle Passes including Onsite Parking include?

General Admission Vehicle Passes with Onsite Parking are available as Carload (5 guests) and Vanload (8 guests) passes, including one-day Airshow admission for vehicle occupants and parking on the airfield, directly adjacent to the Airshow grounds.

Children ages 5 and under do not count towards the vehicle capacity.

What do "Walk-in General Admission" tickets include?

WALK-IN GENERAL ADMISSION IS AVAILABLE ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ONLY.

Walk-in General Admission is available on Saturday and Sunday for individuals via the walk-in event entrance at Chinook Aviation (30660 Rotor Dr.). No walk-in entries are permitted on Friday.

Parking is NOT included with Walk-in tickets. Separate Walk-in Parking passes are available for purchase in advance. The Walk-in parking area is accessed via the North end of the Tradex parking lot.

Where do Walk-in General Admission ticketholder park?

A parking area for Walk-in General Admission guests is available near the Walk-in Entrance Gate. This area will be accessed via the North end of the Tradex lot.

Please see our Directions page for details of the location and access.

IMPORTANT: Parking passes for this area must be pre-purchased online and will NOT be available for purchase onsite.

Is Friday sold out?

Currently, General Admission Carload and Vanload passes are available for the Friday, August 9 show, as well as Premium & Add-on venue tickets.

Walk-in General Admission passes are available Saturday and Sunday only. No walk-in entries are permitted on Friday.

Are General Admission Walk-in Tickets available for Friday?

No. Walk-in General Admission passes are available Saturday and Sunday only. No walk-in entries are permitted on Friday.

Can I use a Walk-in Ticket to add an additional person to a Carload Pass?

No. Walk-in Tickets are not valid for use at the vehicle gates. If you are arriving with more than 5 people in your vehicle (ages 6+), you will need to purchase a Vanload pass.

My vehicle seats more than 5 people, but I will only have 5 or less people. Do I need a Carload or Vanload pass?

Carload & Vanload passes are based on the number of occupants ages 6+ in the vehicle. The seating capacity of the vehicle is not important.

If you are arriving with 5 or fewer people (ages 6+) in the vehicle, a Carload pass is valid for entry. If you are arriving with more than 5 people (ages 6+) in the vehicle, you will require a Vanload pass for entry.

Can I use a single Carload or Vanload pass if my group is in two vehicles?

No. Carload and Vanload passes are only valid for the occupants of a single vehicle.

EXCPETION: Up to 3 motorcycles may use a single Carload Pass if arriving at the same time.

Can I change my Carload Pass to a Vanload Pass?

Please submit your ticket change request directly to Eventsprout here.

Please note that ticket exchanges are not guaranteed and refunds are not available in the event your change request cannot be accommodated.

With a Vehicle Pass, do I sit beside my car to watch the Airshow?

No. For safety, security and licensing reasons, spectators are not permitted to watch the Airshow from the parking areas.

Add-on & Premium Venues

What does Prospera Runway Seating include?

Prospera Runway Seating tickets include all-day reserved seating at the front of the General Admission area, including unlimited in/out privileges to the venue.

Prospera Runway Seating tickets do NOT include event General Admission, which must be purchased separately.

Do Prospera Runway Seating tickets include general admission?

No. Prospera Runway Seating is an add-on venue and does not include event general admission. General Admission to the Airshow must be purchased separately.

What does Family Garden include?

Family Garden tickets include non-reserved picnic table seating, umbrellas & two (2) non-alcoholic beverages per person, and unlimited in/out privileges to the venue.

Each individual age 3 and up requires a separate Family Garden ticket.

Family Garden tickets do NOT include event General Admission, which must be purchased separately.

Do Family Garden tickets include general admission?

No. Family Garden is an add-on venue and does not include event general admission. General Admission to the Airshow must be purchased separately.

What does Flight Club (19+) include?

Flight Club (19+) tickets include non-reserved patio table seating, umbrellas, gourmet food truck meal, two (2) alcoholic beverages per person & unlimited soft drinks, and unlimited in/out privileges to the venue.

Each individual requires a separate Flight Club (19+) ticket. No minors permitted, must be 19+.

Flight Club tickets do NOT include event General Admission, which must be purchased separately.

Do Flight Club tickets include general admission?

No. Flight Club is an add-on venue and does not include event general admission. General Admission to the Airshow must be purchased separately.

What does Photo Pit include?

Photo Pit tickets include Airshow General Admission, onsite parking, and access to a photographer-oriented venue at show centre including patio tables with umbrellas, light catering, soft beverages, charging stations and raised shooting platforms.

Saturday & Sunday Photo Pit tickets include optional early access to the static display ramp

Each individual age 3 and up requires a separate Photo Pit ticket.

Do Photo Pit tickets include general admission?

Yes. Photo Pit tickets are inclusive of event general admission.

Do Photo Pit tickets include parking?

Yes. Photo Pit tickets are inclusive of onsite parking.

What does President’s Club include?

President’s Club tickets include Airshow admission and access to an all-inclusive chalet on Chalet Row including patio tables, umbrellas, indoor & outdoor lounges, host (open) bar, premium catering, and access to executive washroom facilities. VIP event entrance and VIP parking also included

Each individual age 3 and up requires a separate President’s Club ticket.

Do President’s Club tickets include general admission?

Yes. President’s Club tickets are inclusive of event general admission and include VIP entrance access.

Do President’s Club tickets include parking?

Yes. President’s Club tickets are inclusive of VIP Parking.

Getting to the Airshow

How do I get to the Airshow?

Detailed Gate Information & Directions are available on our Directions Page.

Airshow entrance gates are specific to ticket type. Please ensure you follow the directions to the appropriate Gate for your specific ticket type.

Can I park onsite?

General Admission with Onsite Parking passes (Carload & Vanload Passes) include onsite parking directly adjacent to the Airshow event grounds.

Onsite parking is also included with Photo Pit & Business Lounge tickets.

VIP onsite parking passes are provided with Corporate Chalet, VIP Chalet, & President’s Club tickets.

Walk-in General Admission passes (Adult & Youth) do NOT include parking. Pre-paid parking for walk-in guests is available via the Tradex parking lot. A walk-in parking pass  MUST be purchased separately in advance from our ticketing site. Walk-in parking will NOT be available for purchase onsite at the event.

Walk-in guests arriving by Taxi, Rideshare or Public Transit may utilize the Transit Stop at 30540 Approach Dr. Bike racks are also available at the walk-in gate. Bicycles are not permitted on the Airshow grounds.

 

Where can Walk-in General Admission ticketholders park?

A parking area for Walk-in General Admission guests is available near the Walk-in Entrance Gate. This area will be accessed via the North end of the Tradex lot. Please see our Directions page for details of the location and access.

IMPORTANT: Parking passes for this area must be pre-purchased online and will NOT be available for purchase onsite.

Can I sit beside my car to watch the Airshow?

No. For safety, security and licensing reasons, spectators are not permitted to watch the Airshow from the parking areas.

Can I park a bus, RV, trailer or motorhome onsite?

Only standard passenger vehicles are permitted in Airshow parking lots. Oversized vehicles including busses, motorhomes, and all trailers are not permitted.

Attendees with oversized vehicles or trailers are recommended to find offsite parking and utilize transit or rideshare to the event.

The only place RVs, Motorhomes or Trailers are permitted is in the Airshow Campground with a valid Campground pass.

Can I ride my motorcycle to the Airshow?

Yes, however we do not have a specific motorcycle rate, entrance or parking area. For ticketing purposes, up to 3 motorcycles can be considered a single vehicle as long as they arrive at the same time. All other ticketing conditions and restrictions apply.

For example, a General Admission Carload pass may be used for entry by up to 5 people arriving on 3 motorcycles at the same time.

Motorcycles arriving at separate times are considered separate vehicles and must have separate entry and (if applicable) parking passes.

Can I ride my bike to the Airshow?

Yes. Bike racks are available near the walk-in gate at Chinook Aviation (30660 Rotor Dr.) for our Saturday and Sunday events. Bicycles are not permitted inside the Airshow grounds. 

PLEASE NOTE: the Airshow is not responsible for lost or stolen bicycles. Cyclists should take all necessary precautions to secure their bicycle and belongings.

Can I take my bike into the Airshow event grounds?

No, bicycles are not permitted into the event grounds.

Bike racks are available near the walk-in gate at Chinook Aviation (30660 Rotor Dr.) for our Saturday and Sunday events. 

PLEASE NOTE: the Airshow is not responsible for lost or stolen bicycles. Cyclists should take all necessary precautions to secure their bicycle and belongings.

Can I take a bus/taxi/rideshare to the Airshow?

Yes. Guests arriving by bus, taxi or rideshare should use the walk-in gate at 30660 Rotor Dr. (Chinook Aviation) for our Saturday & Sunday events.

By Bus: BC Transit will operate a special event shuttle connecting the Airshow to the Highstreet Mall station. Please visit the BC Transit site for information.

By Taxi/ Rideshare: Guests arriving by rideshare should use the Transit Stop at 30540 Approach Dr.

Can I leave and re-enter the Airshow?

No. Re-entry to the event is not permitted.

Can I fly in to the Airshow?

Yes, the Abbotsford Flying Club hosts fly-in patrons to the event with daily, overnight and full weekend options. Please see our Fly-in Page for details on flying to the Airshow.

Is there a minimum age to attend the Airshow unaccompanied by an adult?

The Airshow leaves the decision to allow youth to attend the event without adult supervision at the discretion of parents, but recommends that youth 13 and under be accompanied by an adult. There are no special services offered to youth watching independently.

Persons with Disabilities

Is the Airshow accessible for persons with disabilities?

Yes. The general admission area consists of hard packed ground with paved access roads making it accessible for wheelchairs; however, the ground is uneven in some areas, so caution and assistance is advised.

A dedicated accessible seating area is available near Chalet Row including accessible washroom facilities.

Is there parking available for persons with disabilities?

Yes. Designated parking is available nearest the gates in both the onsite and walk-in parking areas for those with a valid Parking Permit for Persons with Disabilities. A valid Airshow parking pass (or ticket that includes parking) is still required to utilize these designated parking areas.

The general admission area consists of hard packed ground with gravel access roads; however, the ground is uneven in some areas, so caution and assistance is advised. A dedicated accessible seating area is available near Chalet Row including accessible washroom facilities.

Is the Walk-In Gate accessible for persons with disabilities?

Yes. Designated parking is available nearest the gate in the walk-in parking area for those with a valid Parking Permit for Persons with Disabilities. A valid Airshow parking pass (or ticket that includes parking) is still required to utilize this designated parking area.

Once inside the gate, shuttle trams are available for individuals with mobility issues, including a wheelchair-compatible shuttle.

Do you accept Access2 cards?

Yes, the Airshow is a participating event in the Easter Seal’s Access2 program and offers complimentary General Admission for a support person accompanying an Access2 cardholder.

How to use your Access2 card:

  • If entering via the Walk-in Gate, show your Access2 card to receive complimentary admission for your support person.
  • If entering using a Carload or Vanload pass, the support person does not count towards the vehicle’s occupancy.
  • Access2 cardholders require valid admission for themselves.

Complimentary admission for a support person with an Access2 card only applies to General Admission and does not include any upgraded seating areas.

Event Site

Is there a map of the event grounds?

Yes. Please see our Event Map for a general layout of the Airshow grounds.

Can I camp at the Airshow?

The Airshow Campground is located at the north end of the airfield and offers full-weekend (4-night) camping. Single night camping is no longer offered.

NOTE: The 2024 Campground is SOLD OUT. No additional campground spots will be made available.

Is there seating available?

Upgraded venues offer seating including President’s Club, Photo Pit, Flight Club, Family Garden, and Runway Seating.

The General Admission area consists of a grass infield. Please bring your own folding chairs or blankets to sit on.

Is there shade available?

Upgraded venues offer shade under chalet tents and/or umbrellas including President’s Club, Photo Pit, Flight Club, and Family Garden. 

The General Admission area consists of an open-air grass infield with little to no natural shade.

A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended. Low-level sun-shelters for children or small umbrellas are permitted as long as they do not create a visual obstruction for others. Please be courteous to those around you. The Airshow reserves the right to remove large umbrellas/tents.

Is there water available?

Yes. Several FREE water bottle fill stations are located onsite in the General Admission area complements of Prospera Credit Union Water station locations are noted on our sitemap here.

All food vendors also offer water and other beverages for sale.

What amenities and services are available at the Airshow?

The following are some of the guest amenities available onsite at the Airshow.

  • Food trucks & concessions 
  • Beverage tents (no outside alcohol permitted)
  • Souvenir and gift vendors
  • Cash ATMs
  • People-Mover shuttles 
  • Washrooms
  • Information Services/ Lost and Found
  • Autograph booth
  • First Aid attendants
  • Kids Zone adventure playground
  • Water bottle fill stations

What methods of payment are available at the Airshow?

The Airshow’s online ticketing system accepts all major credit cards.

Most onsite concessions accept cash, debit, and major credit cards (may vary).

Several ATMs are available onsite.

Is US cash accepted at the Airshow?

Where cash is accepted onsite, US cash is accepted at par ($1USD = $1CAD).

What to Bring / What NOT to Bring?

What should I bring to the Airshow?

  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
  • An (empty) refillable water bottle – free fill stations are available
  • Folding chairs and/or blankets – or upgrade your ticket to an upgraded venue with seating
  • Ear Protection – Parents, please ensure appropriate ear protection is provided for all children. Ear defenders are recommended.
  • FRIDAY NIGHT: A sweater or jacket – the airfield can be cool after sunset

Are outside food & beverages permitted?

Yes, our goal is to keep the Airshow accessible and affordable for all by allowing outside food and beverages into the event. HOWEVER, due to safety, security and event-licencing requirements, the following conditions apply:

  • No hard-sided or wheeled coolers are permitted. Soft-sided shoulder bags are ok. All bags are subject to search upon entry.
  • No loose ice is permitted in coolers. Ice packs are ok. This is a condition of our event licence to facilitate the search of bags. 
  • No outside alcohol is permitted. Outside alcohol will be confiscated and your ticket will be revoked without refund.
  • All outside beverages must be factory-sealed.  Non-sealed beverages will be confiscated or poured out at the entrance.
  • Empty, refillable water bottles are permitted. Water fill stations are located onsite.
  • Cooking equipment of any kind (eg. BBQs, portable stoves) is not permitted in the event grounds (Campground ok).

Are wagons & strollers allowed?

Yes. Wagons and strollers are allowed onsite. Please note that all belongings are subject to search upon entry.

  • NOTE: Wagons and strollers cannot take up aisle space in our Runway Seating venue. A “stroller parking” area will be located near the Runway Seating entrances. Please note that the Airshow is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

What should I NOT bring to the Airshow?

Please note all vehicles, bags, and belongings are subject to search upon entry to the Airshow. The Airshow reserves the right to deny admission to any patron found in possession of restricted items.

  • Pets. Due to heat and noise, animals are not permitted on the Airshow grounds including in vehicles in the parking lot. Abbotsford Police will forcibly enter any vehicle with an animal inside. The Abbotsford Airshow accepts no responsibility for damage to vehicles to remove animals for safety reasons.
    Service dogs are only permitted with a valid accreditation by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and/or Assistance Dogs International (ADI). The animal must also be outfitted with appropriate hearing protection. Please note that therapy and emotional support animals, including dogs, are not considered official service animals and are not permitted at the event. For more information, please see: BC Guide Dog & Service Dog Certification.
  • Alcohol. All bags are subject to search upon entry. Any outside alcohol will be confiscated and your ticket will be revoked without refund.
  • Smoking (including Cannabis) and vaping are prohibited everywhere on the Airshow grounds and is prohibited by federal law on Airport property.  Smoking or vaping will result in immediate removal without refund. Violators are additionally subject to fines and/or jail time. 
  • Hard-sided or wheeled coolers. Shoulder-carried soft-sided bags are ok.
  • Loose ice in coolers. Ice packs are ok. Loose ice will be removed to facilitate search at entry.
  • Pop-up tents and patio umbrellas. Low-level sun-shelters for children are permitted as long as they do not create a visual obstruction for other patrons. Please be courteous to those around you. The Airshow reserves the right to remove large umbrellas/tents.
  • Drones. The use of drones is prohibited by federal law within 5.5 km of the Abbotsford Airport. Violators are subject to fines and/or jail time. 
  • Transmitter/ Transceiver Radios. VHF band and other “receive-only” scanners are permitted. Transmitters/transceivers are prohibited. 
  • Weapons of any kind – including aerosols.

Why can't I bring a hard-sided or wheeled cooler, or loose ice?

These restrictions are in place for safety reasons to facilitate an efficient search by event security personnel. They are a condition of our event licence and as a result, non-negotiable.

Shoulder-carried soft coolers and ice packs are allowed.

Why can't I bring my pet?

The Airshow is hot and loud, neither of which is safe or appropriate for animals. The Airshow’s event licensing conditions on an active international airport also prohibits non-service animals from the site.

We love your pets. Send us their photos, but leave them at home.

Participants

Can I volunteer at the Airshow?

Thank you for your interest in becoming an Abbotsford Airshow volunteer. Please see our Volunteer page for more information.

2024 Volunteer applications are now closed.

I am an Airshow volunteer with a question

Volunteers should contact their volunteer team leader with any questions regarding the event.

If you do not know who your team leader is, please refer to your volunteer registration confirmation email which lists your team leader.

I am an event Exhibitor or Vendor with a question

All exhibitor and vendor questions, including event setup, entrance and other logistical information should be directed to our display coordinators:

FOOD VENDORS:
Rod Grant 604-551-1615

DISPLAY EXHIBITORS:
Guy Ciprian 604-341-1496

S.T.E.M. ZONE EXHIBITORS:
Ian Coutts 778-789-0338

Mobile App

Where can I find your mobile app?

The Abbotsford Airshow mobile app, presented by Lockheed Martin, will be available to download free on the Apple App Store and Google Play starting in July.

How much does your mobile app cost?

The Abbotsford Airshow mobile event app is presented FREE of charge, courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

Why can't I login to the mobile app?

The features of the Abbotsford Airshow mobile app do not require you to login. The login feature of the Mobile App has been disabled for public users.

Will the mobile app be updated live during the event?

It is our intention to deliver live event updates whenever possible during the event via the mobile app.  As always however, event schedules, performers and statics are all subject to change without notice.