General Guidelines – Comox Airshow

General Guidelines & FAQ

We are committed to ensuring guests have a fun and safe family experience during this year’s Comox Air Show.

In order to ensure everyone’s safety, we ask that you observe the following guidelines:

All forms of weapons are prohibited. All persons, vehicles and hand carried items are subject to search while entering or exiting 19 Wing Comox.
Narcotics, drug paraphernalia and alcohol are strictly prohibited.
Absolutely no drones are permitted on and around the airfield. Transport Canada rules applies and offenders will be prosecuted.
There is zero tolerance for fighting or protesting. Failure to follow the rules may result in prosecution and removal from the Air Show.
Smoking and non-tobacco products (eg. e-cigarettes) are permitted in designated smoking areas only. Please note that cannabis is not permitted at the Air Show.
There is enough grass space to accommodate several thousand people. And when you’re looking up, there’s not a bad seat in the house! Personal umbrellas and lawn chairs are welcome but large parasols and pop-up tents are not permitted. Large tents can easily be carried away by the wind, creating a safety hazard.
In order to ensure that you enjoy the show as much as possible, attendees are encouraged to dress according to weather conditions.
Seating will not be available at the show, so visitors are encouraged to bring a folding chair if they wish to sit.
There will be a number of food vendors on the Air Show grounds in addition to a variety of static displays and information booths. These vendors will have both food and drink available for purchase. For those who wish to bring refreshments with them, patrons are permitted to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages so long as they are carried in a bag or soft-sided cooler only. Please be aware that all bags and carried items are subject to search by gate security staff and additional wait times will occur.
Open liquid containers will not be accepted through security checks, you can buy beverages onsite or bring empty water containers which can be filled at FREE water refills points onsite.
Shaded areas are rare at any Air Show. Please plan accordingly and be sure to bring sunscreen and hats. It may at times be noisy so consider bringing ear protection too.

Prohibited Items:

Weapons (including, but not limited to knives, firearms, explosives, bio/radiological substances)
Scanners
2-Way Radios
Coolers (larger than 2 Gallons) unless medically required
Alcoholic Beverages
Large Backpacks
Narcotics and Paraphernalia
Camera Bags (larger than 1 cubic foot)
Pop up Tents
Roller Blades, Skates, Skateboards, (kick and electric) scooters
Pets (service animals are admitted with hosts)

Permitted Items:

Children’s wagons (non-motorized)
Small Cooler (smaller than 2 gallons)
Food and unopened beverage (non-alcoholic)
Standard Backpack
Fanny Packs / Purses
Cell / Smart phone
Camera Bags (smaller than 1 cubic foot)
Diaper Bags
Folding Chairs and Lawn Chairs
Collapsible strollers
Wheelchairs
Hand Held Umbrellas
Handicap Authorized Scooters Only

FAQ

What is the ticket price?

We are delighted to provide this high-class event for 2024 at no cost. Free admission for all patrons. But please be aware that we are set to accommodate 20,000 people Once capacity is met no further admittance will be allowed. Come early to ensure entrance.

Can I take public transit to come to the show?

We highly encourage people to take public transit to reach the site. A special entrance will be available for BC transit buses which will accelerate access to the site. BC Transit is currently developing their plans to provide as much services as possible for local people to access the Air Show via public transit buses. Special routes will be made available for the day. The Air Show website will provide links as soon as available.

Will there be accessible parking available and where is it located?

Yes there will be a general parking area accessible through Lazo Road only. Please see the traffic icon on the Home page to see traffic flow plans.

Is it possible to fly a recreational/personal aircraft into 19 Wing Comox for the Air Show?

Unfortunately no, there is no plan to allow visitors or spectators to arrive at the Air Show by airplane.

Are telephoto camera lenses authorized during the Comox Air Show?

During the Comox Air Show, personal camera equipment, including long range telephoto lenses will not be restricted. Attendees are reminded to always stay within prescribed viewing areas, and to respect the boundaries of fellow Air Show spectators. Visitors to the Comox Air Show are encouraged to enjoy the show as much as possible but to always keep safety at the top of their minds.

May I bring my pets with me to the Comox Air Show?

Unfortunately we are not permitting visitors to bring their pets with them to the Air Show. If visiting the area from out of town, we encourage you to leave your pets at home with a neighbor, friend or to an accredited and trusted kennel service and to not leave them in your parked vehicle. Service animals are permitted so long as they have proper markings and/or identification.

Will there be a place to lock up my bike at the front gate?

We encourage those wishing to take alternate forms of transportation to the Air Show to do so. As a way of making this initiative more accessible and easier, bike racks will be positioned near the bus gate to the show. Please visit the site map on the website to locate the bike area. Please feel free to lock up your bike and enjoy the show with the peace of mind in knowing that your bike is safe and secure.

Will there be ATMs on site?

Yes. BMO will be joining us on site and there will be ATMs. Service charges may apply

Where can vendors go for information about becoming involved in the Comox Air Show?

The Comox Air Show appreciates this event is a unique opportunity to showcase and highlight a number of local and regional businesses, and thanks all vendor requests for their interest in becoming involved. The primary goal of the Comox Air Show is to put on a world class Air Show and to invite the local communities to interact with our military team. In order to reach our goal, our plan is to focus on delivering and enabling services which will enhance the air display experience for all spectators. For this year’s show, we will not be hosting any vendors outside those who provide food services or are directly linked to the Department of National Defence.

Will there be shuttles available for those with limited mobility to get from the parking areas to the entrance gates?

A limited number of disabled parking spaces will be reserved close to the entrance gates for Air Show guests with a valid disabled parking placard. Once parked, you can either make your way to the entrance gate on your own, or flag down one of the many golf carts passing through the parking area. Golf carts do not constitute a shuttle service, and will be available on a first come, first served basis only. Please keep in mind once a golf cart is requested, it may take several minutes for one to pick you up; we appreciate your patience as we work to serve all Air Show guests equally.