Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, a popular gateway for Canadians heading to Florida, was thrown into chaos Friday afternoon when a shooting left five people dead and more wounded in Terminal 2’s baggage area.
The airport has now resumed operations, although travelers “should expect flight delays or cancellations,” according to a Canadian government travel advisory.
Some flights had previously been diverted to other Florida airports, after operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport were suspended for an extended period of time.
READ MORE: 5 dead, 8 injured in Fort Lauderdale airport shooting in Florida
The shooting suspect, 26-year-old Esteban Santiago, was taken into custody shortly after the attack.
WATCH: Hundreds stream of out Fort Lauderdale airport following shooting
Global Affairs Canada said in an email it is monitoring the situation, and did not offer information on whether any Canadians had been injured or killed in the attack.
Consular assistance is available to Canadians in the area, who are urged to contact friends and family to let them know they’re safe.
“Canadian citizens requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Consulate General of Canada in Miami,” a Global Affairs statement read.
Multiple carriers servicing Canada had planes on the ground at the time of the shooting.
Passengers of a departing Air Canada flight had to flee the plane onto the tarmac, while two flights arriving from Montreal and Toronto were being held off-gate, as the terminal remained closed.
READ MORE: Fort Lauderdale airport shooting: Esteban Santiago identified as shooter
“Thankfully all our customers and employees are reported accounted for and safe,” said an Air Canada spokesperson in an email to Global News.
Any passengers with plans to travel with Air Canada to or from Fort Lauderdale Friday or Saturday can change their flights, for free, online.
“We have implemented a rebooking policy for passengers travelling today or tomorrow.”
WATCH: Police confirm shooting at Ft. Lauderdale airport; 5 dead
Four WestJet flights were affected: two flights cancelled and a flight from Calgary to Fort Lauderdale was diverted to Montreal.
Another WestJet plane sat on the Fort Lauderdale tarmac for hours Friday, waiting to take off for Ottawa.
“We are working on reaccomodation plans now for those guests affected,” a WestJet spokesperson said in an email.
“We are implementing flexible change/cancel policy and any guests with questions are encouraged to contact us at 1-888-WestJet.”
AirTransat said on its website that Friday’s flights to Montreal and Toronto were not affected by the shooting, and it was waiting to see if Saturday’s would be changed or cancelled.
“Please visit our website for updates to the flight schedule,” the site stated.
– This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
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