Canadian Plane Flies Stranded Air India Passengers to Chicago Amid Bomb Threat

The Canadian government has approved a request to transport stranded passengers from an Air India flight to Chicago. This decision came after the aircraft was diverted to Iqaluit due to a bomb threat. The flight carried 211 people, including 20 crew members.

Former Public Safety Minister Bill Blair announced the airlift on social media. He stated that Canadian Forces would safely transport the passengers to their destination in Chicago. Air India confirmed on Wednesday that the passengers from flight AI127, diverted to Iqaluit on October 15, are now en route to Chicago.

The passengers are being transferred to a Canadian Air Force aircraft that departed Iqaluit at 03:54 UTC. The flight is scheduled to arrive in Chicago around 07:48 UTC. This timing translates to approximately 11:54 p.m. local time in Iqaluit.

The decision to airlift the travelers aimed to relieve pressure on Iqaluit. The city lacked the necessary resources to accommodate the stranded passengers. Canada’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Harjit Sajjan, acknowledged the city’s limitations, stating, “Despite significant efforts, Iqaluit is unprepared to house these travelers.”

After consulting with Transport Minister Anita Anand, Sajjan approved the request for Canadian Forces to assist. This move demonstrates Canada’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety and swift travel arrangements during emergencies.

As the situation unfolded, passengers expressed relief at the prompt action taken by the Canadian government. The airlift not only addressed immediate safety concerns but also helped facilitate the travelers’ return home.

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