Elderly passenger restrained at Toronto Pearson Airport after trying to open aircraft door mid-flight
Police in Peel Region said that they met, but did not arrest or charge, a “disruptive passenger” at the gates of Toronto Pearson International Airport on Sunday following an incident onboard a Toronto-bound flight from London, U.K.
In a written statement provided to CP24, Peel Regional Police (PRP) said they were advised that a passenger had “attempted to open a door midflight,” which they noted “cannot be done at cruising altitude.”
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Police said that the aircraft landed safely at Pearson airport shortly after 3 p.m.
Once the transatlantic flight was de-boarded, they said that officers entered the plane to “deal with the passenger in question,” an elderly male they said had been “in a state of crisis and confusion.”
Police said that the man’s actions do not appear to be intentional.
“He was restrained by Air Canada employees during the flight as part of their flight safety protocols,” PRP said, adding no criminal charges have been laid and that the man and his family have been connected to additional supports.
Air Canada also confirmed to CP24 that there was a mid-flight incident with a “disruptive passenger” on Boeing 787-9 travelling from London-Heathrow to Toronto on Jan. 21.
“Our crews are experienced and managed the situation appropriately, allowing the flight to continue normally to its destination. As per procedures, authorities met the aircraft,” the airline said in a written statement.
“We have no additional details to provide, but as noted the aircraft operated the flight normally.”
Air Canada also noted that it is actually not possible to open aircraft doors at high altitude as they are designed to “act as a plug” taking advantage of internal and external air pressure to “create a secure seal.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a 'chaotic situation' before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.
WATCH Infectious disease expert warns measles 'a very real threat'
A Canadian epidemiologist is warning the measles presents a 'very real threat' to public health if Canada doesn't maintain a high vaccination rate.
Judge considers dismissing indictment against Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting of cinematographer
A New Mexico judge is considering Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss a grand jury indictment against him at a virtual court hearing Friday.
An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. This was the reaction
Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Four 1970s homicides linked to serial killer, Alberta Mounties to reveal Friday
A dead serial sexual offender and killer has been linked to four homicides in the 1970s in Alberta, RCMP say.
With today's high rates, should you consider an interest-free halal mortgage?
A halal mortgage complies with the Islamic religious, or Shariah, law, which forbids the use of 'riba' (interest). Here's what mortgage experts say those considering 'no-interest' halal mortgages should know.
Top whisky, rum and gin brands could pull products from LCBO amid pricing dispute
A group that represents a long list of spirit brands is warning that some popular products could be pulled from the Ontario market amid a multi-million dollar dispute with the LCBO.
4 dead after Houston storms cause widespread damage, major blackouts
Power outages could last weeks in parts of Houston after thunderstorms with hurricane-force winds tore through the city, an official said Friday, knocking out electricity to nearly 1 million homes and businesses.