Charter flight to Firebag makes emergency landing in Fort McMurray

A pilot taxis a Westjet Boeing 737-700 plane to a gate after arriving at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, B.C., on February 3, 2014. A WestJet 737-800 charter aircraft had to make an emergency landing at Fort McMurray International Airport on Jan. 7, 2020, after pilots reported smoke in the flight deck. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

A WestJet charter flight bound for Firebag made an emergency landing at Fort McMurray International Airport.

On Jan. 7, 2020, the WestJet Boeing 737-800 aircraft departed Edmonton International Airport at 6:00 p.m.

It was due to arrive near Suncor’s Firebag facility at 7:05 p.m.

WestJet media relations representative, Lauren Stewart said the pilots reported smoke in the flight deck.

At approximately 6:57 p.m., the pilots safely landed the plane at YMM.

Margaret Ziolecki, Senior Manager of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Fort McMurray Airport Authority, said there were no injuries.

“Aircraft crew requested assistance from the Airport Fire Department and RMWB Emergency Services as a precaution.”

With passengers and crew inside the terminal, crews removed the aircraft from service for required inspection.

After inspection, the plane since returned to service.

Ziolecki said the incident is still under investigation by WestJet.

No word how many passengers were on the 6:00 p.m. flight.