Flight diverted to Winnipeg after passenger tried to open plane door
An 18-year-old man from B.C. is facing charges after he allegedly attempted to open the door of an aircraft mid-flight, causing the plane to be diverted to Winnipeg.
People flying from Vancouver to Toronto on WestJet flight 710 had to make a pit stop at the Winnipeg Richardson International shortly after 4 p.m. Friday, a spokesperson for Winnipeg Airports Authority said.
RCMP Manitoba said in a statement Saturday it received reports of an unruly passenger trying to open the aircraft's emergency door about half an hour before the plane landed.
"Crew and other passengers had intervened and held him until they landed in Winnipeg. He was arrested without incident," the statement said.
A WestJet spokesperson said emergency medical services also met the plane when it landed.
"Our crew are trained to handle passengers who may pose a safety hazard to themselves or others, as well as in de-escalating many situations to protect everyone onboard," the spokesperson said in an email to CBC News.
They also noted that it's impossible to open pressurized airplane doors when flying at high altitudes.
Police said the man has been charged with endangering an aircraft under the Aeronautics Act. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at a Winnipeg court on May 23.
WestJet said it scheduled a new flight for passengers on Friday.
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