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A WestJet Encore flight, destined for Saskatoon from Winnipeg, had to make an emergency landing in Regina on Wednesday.
According to James Bogusz, president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, the emergency landing happened at around 6:20 p.m. due to a reported engine failure.
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“As a precaution, our airport activates its emergency operation procedures for any type of event like that,” Bogusz said.
Mutual aid was called, which meant the City of Regina deployed some emergency resources to the site, along with the airport’s own fire service.
Bogusz said the plane landed safely in Regina without incident. The aircraft was then towed to the apron and the passengers were able to disembark.
“We provide some chips and water, and make sure they’re given a little something when they arrive,” he said.
WestJet dealt with the passengers, and Bogusz said some were bused to Saskatoon and others were placed on alternate flights.
Bogusz said these are situations airport staff are thoroughly trained to deal with.
“We have very structured emergency protocols with the City of Regina,” he said.
Bogusz also referred to the full-scale emergency exercises, which happen every two years at the airport. The exercises puts into practice the procedures staff learn for events like the emergency landing on Wednesday.
Transport Canada requires all international airports to perform full-scale mock emergency responses every two years, to help ensure they are prepared for a real emergency. The airport’s most recent exercise, held last September, simulated a drone attack.
The exercises are meant to test the emergency response plans and capabilities of the airport and its emergency crews.
Around 150 people were involved in the exercise, including actors, firefighters, the Regina Police Service, Canada Border Services, Public Safety Canada and NAV Canada, as well as airline partners.
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—with files from 980 CJME’s Abby Zieverink
