Military Aircraft to Provide Security During President Biden’s Visit to Ottawa

Ottawa residents can witness military aircraft over the city before and during U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit this week.

CF-18 Hornet fighter jets and CH-146 Griffon helicopters are expected to be in the region as early as Wednesday, as stated in a news release from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

These aircraft will ensure security throughout Biden’s visit to Ottawa on Thursday and Friday. NORAD urges civilian pilots to refer to Nav Canada’s webpage for information on flight restrictions during the visit.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama was the last sitting U.S. president to make an official state visit to Ottawa. Obama, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton all chose Canada as their first foreign stop upon taking office, while Reagan and George W. Bush made it their second.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump made only one official visit to Canada during his presidency, attending the 2018 G7 Leaders’ Summit in La Malbaie, Quebec.