Boozy disruption on overseas flight prompts emergency landing in northern Canada

IQALUIT, Nunavut – An Air Transat flight from Vancouver to the United Kingdom had to make an overnight emergency landing in Nunavut because of a drunken and unruly passenger.

RCMP say the plane was diverted to the territorial capital of Iqaluit after a 39-year-old man had to be restrained by flight attendants and other passengers.

Police say he was being belligerent and acting aggressively.

The man was arrested and held by Mounties when the plane landed, and the flight continued to the UK shortly after.

The passenger’s name has not been released, but police say he faces charges of uttering threats, causing a disturbance and mischief, along with one count of unruly behaviour under the Aeronautics Act.

Punishment for the Aeronautics Act charge involves fines up to $100,000, or imprisonment up to five years.