RCMP arrest ‘unruly’ passenger after flight from Calgary to Yellowknife diverted to Fort McMurray

Transport Canada is investigating after a WestJet plane en route to Yellowknife from Calgary was diverted Monday because of an “unruly passenger,” the RCMP said.

Wood Buffalo RCMP said Tuesday a man aboard WestJet flight 3177 was arrested at the Fort McMurray International Airport.

Cpl. Teri-Ann Deobald said police were called by WestJet who advised them of the situation before the plane landed in Fort McMurray.

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“The RCMP met with the airport security on the tarmac near Terminal 2,” she said when asked about the circumstances of the arrest. “We do want to let the public know that this was an isolated incident.”

Police allege the man arrested was intoxicated and that he was held in custody until he sobered up. He was since released. They did not say if he would be facing any charges.

Following the landing in Fort McMurray, the RCMP said the plane carried on to Yellowknife.

“Due to the involvement of law enforcement, as well as the privacy of our guests, we won’t be providing any additional information about the incident,” WestJet said in a statement on Tuesday.