VANCOUVER- Calgary-based WestJet Airlines (WS) Vancouver (YVR) to Toronto (YYZ) flight underwent an unplanned diversion when a passenger attempted to open a door.
WestJet, in an email to the Toronto Sun, stated that Flight WS710 was diverted to Winnipeg (YWG) following the incident on Friday (Feb 16, 2024).
WestJet Passenger Tries to Open Door
Following standard protocol, the airline notified the RCMP and EMS to meet the aircraft upon its arrival in Winnipeg, where the passenger was subsequently taken into custody.
The RCMP reported that an 18-year-old man from Victoria, B.C., is facing charges of endangering an aircraft under the Aeronautics Act.
According to a statement from RCMP Manitoba on Saturday, they received reports of a disruptive passenger attempting to open the emergency door of the aircraft approximately half an hour before the plane’s scheduled landing.
The statement indicated that both the crew and fellow passengers intervened, successfully restraining the individual until the aircraft landed in Winnipeg. Subsequently, the unruly passenger was apprehended without incident.
Crew Trained to Handle Such Situation
Upon landing, emergency medical services also met the plane, as mentioned by a WestJet spokesperson. The flight was operated by Boeing 737-700 aircraft registered as C-GWBN.
The spokesperson emphasized that their crew is trained to handle passengers who may pose safety risks and to de-escalate situations for the well-being of everyone on board. Additionally, they highlighted the impossibility of opening pressurized airplane doors at high altitudes.
Authorities mention that he has been released from custody and is slated to appear in court on May 23 in Winnipeg.
WestJet, in its email, emphasizes the impossibility of opening secured pressurized aircraft doors at high altitudes. The airline adds that the flight successfully resumed its journey to Toronto shortly after the unscheduled stop.
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