Why a flight to Toronto was diverted to Winnipeg

Posted on February 17, 2024 by Peggy

A flight from Vancouver to Toronto was diverted to Winnipeg Friday after a passenger tried to open a cabin door.

WestJet said in an email to CTV News Winnipeg that flight 710 was diverted to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after someone tried to open the door mid-flight.

“As per standard protocol, WestJet engaged local RCMP and EMS to meet the aircraft upon arrival in Winnipeg and the guest was taken into their custody,” a WestJet spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted it is not possible to open “secured pressurized aircraft doors at high altitudes.”

The Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) confirmed the flight was diverted around 4 p.m.

Michel Rosset, the communications manager for the WAA, said the airport is always ready for diverted flights because Winnipeg’s airport is a major hub in North America.

“Based on our role as a major airport in the middle of not just the country, but the continent as well,” said Rosset. “Manitoba is located in an area where there’s a lot of major international flights travelling between the (United) States to oversea markets- Europe, Asia, the Middle East – so we’re prepared with the infrastructure, the staffing levels are always ready for a diversion.”

WestJet said the passengers were able to finish their trip to Toronto after landing in Winnipeg.

CTV News Winnipeg has reached out to RCMP for more details.

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