N.W.T. government says it didn’t know plane was carrying Russian nationals

YELLOWKNIFE – The Northwest Territories government says it had no idea there were two Russian nationals on board a plane that has been grounded in Yellowknife.

The plane appeared to be on its way to Resolute, Nvt., on Tuesday after arriving in N.W.T. from Geneva.

Infrastructure Minister Diane Archie has told the legislative assembly that the government found out who was on the aircraft after it landed at the Yellowknife Airport.

Archie says the plane is being held and federal agencies are investigating next steps.

Canada closed its airspace to Russian-owned or operated aircraft on Sunday following President Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine.

Transport Canada has said it will review whether there has been any violation of the notice prohibiting Russian aircraft that are owned, charted, or certified from operating in Canadian airspace.

The territory has said the passengers on the plane are connected to an international driving tour across the Arctic called the Transglobal Car Expedition.