B.C. man arrested for smoking on plane that had to be diverted to Winnipeg

A WestJet flight had to be diverted to Winnipeg due to a disruptive passenger.

Spokesperson Tyler MacAfee says a WestJet flight from Vancouver set for Toronto had to be diverted on Sunday afternoon and a passenger was removed from the plane.

RCMP say a 59-year-old man from Surrey, B.C., is facing charges and was arrested for mischief and causing a disturbance.

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Const. Julie Courchaine says the investigation is ongoing.

“It was reported that the passenger had been smoking a cigarette on board and was not complying with staff.”

After removing the passenger, the plane had to get more fuel before getting ready to take off and make it to its final destination.

“We sincerely apologize for the delay and interruption to our guests travel plans who were affected by the diversion,” said Morgan Bell, advisor, media and public relations for WestJet.

According to WestJet’s website, flight WS 706 departed from Winnipeg at 3:24 p.m. for Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The website says the flight is more than an hour and a half delayed.

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