ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Flights resumed at St. John’s International Airport on Thursday night after the airport was temporarily closed to air traffic because of a bomb threat.
There was mild applause from passengers when it was announced they could clear security for a Porter flight and check in for a Westjet flight.
The announcement came just after 11:30 p.m. local time, about 4.5 hours after the airport was notified of the threat.
The airport authority said it took the action after Air Canada Flight 143 departing from St. John’s to Ottawa was notified about of a possible bomb on board as the aircraft was pulling back from the gate.
The Embraer 190 jet carrying 82 passengers and four crew was brought back to the gate and all passengers departed safely.
Spokeswoman Sara Norris said she didn’t know how many people were evacuated from the departure lounge or how many flights have been delayed or cancelled.
During the wait, the cafeteria and bar on the airport’s main floor were filled, along with seating areas, as delayed passengers waited for updates.
Jeremiah McCarthy of St. John’s was to head to Dublin on a WestJet flight for his brother’s wedding but the plane had been sent back to Halifax after the airport was shut down.
“It’s frustrating,” he said. “It’s the waiting around.”
McCarthy said the bright side is that his brother isn’t getting married until July 1.
“We still have a few days,” he said.
Soon after he spoke, a woman’s voice on the public address system said the incident was still under investigation and normal airport operations had not been authorized.
“This has been a very long afternoon for all of us,” she said just after 11 p.m. local time. “We do appreciate your understanding.”
The airport authority said it called in its emergency response team, along with the RCMP, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, St. John’s fire department and the region’s health authority.
A statement said no aircraft would be handled at the terminal until the area had been “cleared safe.”
Jennifer Tough of Edinburgh, Scotland sat charging her phone in a wall socket and reading on her iPad. The digital marketing professional had been visiting family in St. John’s and had hoped to head home Thursday.
Passengers had not been told of any bomb threat, she said, just that their plane had not arrived.
“I wish we knew more. I wish there was more communication.”
Tough said the thought of a bomb threat was unsettling and she was glad officials were being cautious.
“I’d like to get home, and I’d like to get home safely.”
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