VANCOUVER — Canadian fighter jets escorted a Cathay Pacific airliner incoming from Hong Kong to a safe landing in Vancouver International Airport today due to a potential unspecified security threat, a North American Aerospace Defense Command spokesperson said.
The Canadian Press news agency cited Canadian Defense department officials as saying there was a bomb threat aboard the plane, which originated in Hong Kong, but they could not provide details.
Local media reports said the plane was towed to a secure part of the tarmac with passengers still on board. Fire crews stood by as airport security officials assessed the situation.
Canadian F-18 Hornet fighter jets intercepted the plane and flew alongside it until it landed around 1:40 local time.
“As a precaution, NORAD fighters escorted the aircraft until it landed safely in Vancouver,” said North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Maj. Holly Apostoliuk.
Apostoliuk said the jets responded quickly from their base in Comox, British Columbia, once information on a potential threat was received.
They did not land with flight CX839, and have since returned to their base.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Vancouver airport authorities did not immediately return calls.