A coordinated police and military response was triggered Monday afternoon after bomb threats were reported aboard three incoming flights to Calgary’s airport.
According to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), CF-18 and F-15 fighter jets, along with refueling aircraft, were deployed to the Calgary International Airport “out of an abundance of caution” shortly after 2 p.m.
The aircraft were escorting three passenger planes flying from Germany to Calgary after Canadian officials received reports of bomb threats.
All three planes landed safely at the airport, and passengers got off without incident. NORAD confirmed the threats were later deemed not credible.
Canada’s Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty, said NORAD worked exactly as it should.
“I think it’s important for us to remember that this binational command and this system at NORAD worked for us very, very well,” he said. The RCMP is now in charge of the file. They have taken control of the situation and all seems to be fine. ”
McGuinty added that there are no threats to any other Canadian aircrafts.
Calgary police say officers were called to the airport around 2:20 p.m. and remain on scene investigating the incident.
“At this time, there is no risk to public safety and the incident remains ongoing,” police said.
The incident caused minimal disruption to airport operations, according to YYC airport officials. Passengers were advised to check their flight status with their airlines on Monday.
The investigation is ongoing.