WestJet sends plane to rescue Canadians stranded by Hurricane Irma

WestJet Airlines is sending an emergency plane to Saint Martin today to rescue stranded Canadian travelers stuck in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

The plane left Toronto (YYZ) this morning and is expected to arrive back later this evening.

WestJet is using social media to reach out to travelers in Saint Martin needing assistance coming back to Canada.

“We are taking the unusual step of using our social media channels to reach out to any travelers who are currently in St. Maarten and are anxious to return home to Canada,” said WestJet in a statement.

We are operating a rescue flight from St. Maarten (SXM) today. Know someone who needs to come home? Read this – https://t.co/3WKugWOMuc pic.twitter.com/5BtkiGVLL3

— WestJet (@WestJet) September 11, 2017

“If you are able to communicate with us, we are asking guests in St. Maarten to register through Facebook Messenger, Twitter Direct Message or by contacting our call centre at 1-888-937-8538. In the event you are unable to reach us, we are asking guests to calmly make their way to the airport for 1:30pm local.”

The airline said it will be assisted by the Canada Border Services Agency and the Dutch military who are in control of the airport.

“We will be prioritizing Canadians who register with us in advance; followed by Canadians who are not able to register in advance: followed by non-Canadians with a valid passport and have permission to travel to Canada.”

Last week, WestJet, Air Canada, and Air Transat sent planes to safely evacuate travelers ahead of Hurricane Irma.

The hurricane is one of the strongest storms ever recorded in the Atlantic. The Category 5 storm has maximum wind speeds of 295 km/h.

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