WestJet flight aborts take-off at Vancouver International Airport due to emergency

A WestJet flight has aborted its take-off on the South Runway of Vancouver International Airport.

According to Vancouver Airport Authority, Flight 1876 was on its way to Maui at about 10 a.m., when it abruptly canceled its takeoff on the runway. There are no reports of injuries, passengers are being offloaded and transported to the terminal by a bus shuttle.

Witnesses told Vancity Buzz fire trucks were seen spraying down the aircraft on the runway.

The South Runway is closed until further notice and all arrivals and departures have been moved to the North Runway, which normally only handles arrivals.

Few details are available at this time.

• UPDATE at 11:10 a.m.: A YVR spokesperson told Vancity Buzz no flight delays are expected at this time.
• UPDATE at 12:16 p.m.: The aircraft aborted its flight due to a blown tire. Passengers on the flight will depart for Maui on another aircraft this afternoon.