An 18-year-old man from Victoria has been charged after attempting to open a door mid-flight from Vancouver to Toronto.
A Westjet flight from Vancouver to Toronto was diverted to Winnipeg on Friday after a passenger attempted to open a door, according to an email from WestJet regarding Flight 710.
The 737 aircraft was diverted to Winnipeg, where police arrested the individual and charged him with endangering an aircraft.
“We can confirm a guest on WestJet flight 710 between Vancouver and Toronto made an attempt to open a cabin door while inflight causing the flight to divert to Winnipeg. 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,” said a WestJet spokesperson in an email statement to Victoria Buzz.
“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 man has been released and is set to appear in court in Winnipeg in May.
“We sincerely apologize for any disruption this diversion caused our guests. All impacted guests were accommodated with service to Toronto shortly after landing in Winnipeg, on flight WS710.”
Fortunately, there were no injuries, and Westjet confirmed that doors on pressurized aircraft cannot be opened during flight.
It’s unclear why the man attempted to open the doors.
