Six WestJet passengers were injured after a flight was forced to make an emergency diversion to Winnipeg due to a reported threat. The incident, which unfolded on a routine flight bound for Calgary, left passengers shaken as the aircraft made a swift landing at Winnipeg’s James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
The WestJet flight, carrying over 100 passengers, had been en route when the crew was alerted to a potential threat onboard. Details of the nature of the threat were not immediately clear, but the decision was made to divert the plane out of an abundance of caution. The flight crew, trained for such emergencies, remained calm as they informed passengers of the unscheduled stop in Winnipeg. While most passengers maintained their composure, tension was palpable inside the cabin as many speculated about the nature of the emergency.
Upon landing, the plane was met by emergency services, including police and medical teams, who acted quickly to ensure the safety of all onboard. During the diversion, several passengers reportedly suffered minor injuries, either due to turbulence or incidents occurring as the aircraft made a rapid descent. The injuries ranged from cuts and bruises to muscle strains, but none were considered life-threatening. Paramedics on the ground immediately attended to the injured passengers, offering medical assistance as needed.
In the aftermath, passengers were evacuated from the plane as authorities conducted a thorough sweep of the aircraft, searching for any potential threats. Bomb-sniffing dogs and specialized units were deployed to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew. Fortunately, after hours of investigation, no immediate danger was found, and the flight was cleared of any harmful devices or substances. However, the nature of the reported threat remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine whether the threat was credible or a false alarm.
WestJet issued a statement expressing their gratitude for the professionalism of the crew and the emergency responders in Winnipeg, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety. The airline acknowledged the injuries and inconveniences caused by the diversion but highlighted the necessity of taking all potential threats seriously to protect everyone onboard.
Passengers who were not injured were accommodated at the Winnipeg airport while WestJet arranged alternate flights to Calgary. Some passengers, still visibly shaken, shared their experiences with the media. One passenger described the atmosphere during the diversion as “tense” but praised the crew for maintaining control and keeping everyone informed. Another recounted the sudden descent, describing how several passengers were jolted from their seats, leading to minor injuries. “It was scary for a moment, but the crew did an amazing job keeping us calm,” they said.
As the investigation into the threat continues, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex safety protocols in place in modern aviation. Airlines and authorities remain vigilant, ensuring that every potential risk is taken seriously. While this emergency diversion led to injuries and a disrupted flight, the prompt actions of the crew and emergency responders ensured that the situation was handled with care and that no further harm came to the passengers.
For now, the injured passengers are expected to recover fully, and WestJet has assured them of any support they may need following the incident.