EDMONTON – RCMP evacuated the Fort McMurray International Airport on Friday after someone heard a man talking about explosives, but the airport later reopened.
Police said they told people inside the northern Alberta airport to leave as a precaution while officers searched for the man.
“Wood Buffalo RCMP responded to a threat at the Fort McMurray International Airport,” said Cst. Kandice Perry. “As a precaution the airport was evacuated.
“A lone male was arrested and is currently in custody for making comments in reference to a dangerous device.”
The RCMP said, “threats made against the safety of an aircraft and/or its occupants are criminal code offences.” Perry added the man on a departing flight when he was overheard making the comments.
Insp. Gibson Glavin said it turned out there was no threat. He said the man chose a poor topic to discuss in an airport.
RCMP searched the area but did not find a dangerous device. No one was injured and officers say the public was not in any danger. The man was arrested and charges are pending.
“We take threats like this very seriously,” said Perry. “In a situation like this we want to ensure public safety first and foremost.”
The airport sent out another message on Twitter about an hour later saying passengers were once again being allowed back into the airport.
The airport said approximately 300 passengers on four flights were immediately impacted by the event, but other travel delays could occur.
December 19 is known as one of the busiest travel days of the season. A spokesperson for the Fort McMurray Airport says airlines are working hard to get scheduled back up-and-running. She said passengers should check on the status of their flights.
“We are very grateful to the RCMP for their prompt, professional response to the situation,” said Joanne Barnes, communications coordinator for the Fort McMurray Airport Authority.
“CATSA staff worked hard to ensure that passengers were re-screened as efficiently as possible once returning to the terminal, and airline staff made themselves available to answer passenger inquiries. We appreciate the cooperation of all our our partners in a situation such as this.”
Comments