Fighter jets to do routine World Cup training exercises Monday near Billy Bishop airport

A CF-18 jet fighter is seen at CFB Bagotville, in Saguenay, Que., Wednesday, June 14, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot

Residents in the GTHA may notice fighter jet activity in the sky on Monday as part of a training exercise being carried out ahead of the World Cup.

In a public service announcement released Monday, officials confirmed that The Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region will be conducting a “routine live-fly training exercise.”

“This pre-planned exercise will involve two CF-18 fighter aircraft, a tanker aircraft, and two civilian Alpha Jets. The CF-18s will intercept the Alpha Jet simulating a threat and escort it towards the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport area,” the news release read.

“During the exercise, members of the public may see or hear fighter jets flying alongside civilian aircraft in the vicinity of Brantford, and along the north shore of Lake Ontario between Hamilton and Toronto.”

The news release notes that activities are “carefully planned” and “conducted in a controlled manner” with public safety as a top priority.

“These routine measures support NORAD’s ongoing aerospace warning and aerospace control missions and contribute to preparations for World Cup events by maintaining safe and secure airspace during matches,” the public service announcement read.