Man Arrested After Bomb Threat at Fort Mac Airport

The airport in Fort McMurray was evacuated Friday afternoon because of a bomb threat made by an individual.

RCMP have finished clearing the terminal. Operations centre now allowing passengers back into the building.

— FortMcMurray Airport (@FlyYMM) December 19, 2014

According to Wood Buffalo RCMP the threat at the Fort McMurray International Airport occurred around 12:30 p.m. As a precaution an evacuation took place and police eventually arrested a lone male for making comments in reference to a dangerous device. Threats made against the safety of an aircraft and /or its occupants are criminal code offences.

It's business as usual again at the airport (Photo Credit: Fly YMM)

The airport has since reopened and it has been determined that the public was in no danger during the incident.

“We are very grateful to the RCMP for their prompt, professional response to the situation,” says Joanne Barnes, Communications Coordinator for the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “CATSA staff worked hard to ensure that passengers were rescreened as efficiently as possible once returning to the terminal and airline staff made themselves available to answer passenger inquiries. We appreciate the cooperation of all our partners in a situation such as this.”

Several flights at the airport are still delayed as a result of the threat but those are expected to be back on schedule shortly. Approximately 300 passengers on four flights were immediately impacted by the event, but cascading travel delays may occur.