A West Jet flight bound for its destination was forced to divert and make an emergency landing in Terrace, on May 27th due to a disruptive passenger onboard. Witnesses reported the individual exhibiting erratic behavior, including attempts to open exits and disregard for safety protocols. Quick intervention by fellow passengers aided in subduing the disruptive individual until law enforcement arrived upon the aircraft’s landing at Terrace Regional Airport. The RCMP promptly arrested the individual, who was believed to be experiencing a mental health crisis, and transported them to a local hospital for assessment under the Mental Health Act. The man admitted to having consumed an illegal substance prior to departure. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries during the incident, highlighting the importance of collaborative action in ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.
West Jet has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, but they have expressed appreciation for the swift response of authorities and passengers. This incident underscores the challenges airlines face in managing disruptive behaviors and highlights the critical need for mental health support mechanisms to be readily available during air travel emergencies. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safety protocols and the necessity of trained professionals in handling situations involving passengers experiencing mental health crises.