WestJet flight from Vancouver to Ottawa diverted because of threat

A bomb threat aboard Westjet Flight 737 from Vancouver International Airport to Ottawa’s Macdonald–Cartier International Airport caused the plane to be diverted to Thunder Bay last night.

The Boeing 737-700 left Vancouver at 4:25 pm PST and was scheduled to arrive in Ottawa at 11:45 pm. Instead, all 125 passengers and crew landed safely without injury in Thunder Bay, approximately 1,100 kilometres west of the nation’s capital, at about 10:30 pm EST. The plane was then parked in a secure area of the airport.

In a series of Tweets, WestJet said there was a “non-specific and non-credible” threat and that the flight was diverted at the request of Transport Canada. The investigation has been handed over to the Thunder Bay Police.

“The Thunder Bay Police Service is conducting the investigation which will include speaking with passengers and crew of the flight,” reads a statement by Thunder Bay Police.

“On behalf of all parties involved in this emergency, it is important to emphasize that the safety of passengers, crew and emergency responders has been the top priority.  Thunder Bay Airport, airline personnel and emergency responders are well trained to deal with these incidents.”

Passengers from the aircraft are expected to arrive in Ottawa at 1:35 pm this afternoon on another scheduled flight.

We received a threat against flight #WS142 from Vancouver to Ottawa tonight. Authorities determined it to be non-specific and non-credible.

— WestJet (@WestJet) August 4, 2016

At the request of Transport Canada, #WS142 diverted to Thunder Bay, where it landed safely. We are now following the lead of law enforcement

— WestJet (@WestJet) August 4, 2016

The matter has been turned over to local authorities. Thank you first responders, WestJetters and flight crew for your assistance. #WS142

— WestJet (@WestJet) August 4, 2016