A WestJet flight headed to Montego Bay, Jamaica from Toronto had to make a U-turn back to Pearson Airport after Ontario man James Potok announced he had coronavirus mid-flight. Potok refers to himself as an “artist” and a “kid.”
During the flight, a man stood up, told passengers he was recently in China and that he had contracted the coronavirus.
“That announcement was shared by the flight crew to the captain and a decision was made for the plane to return back to Pearson,” Const. Bancroft Wright told the CBC.
On the flight, passengers said they felt concerned for their families.
“We were just over Florida and all of a sudden we felt the plane do a pretty dramatic turn,” Passenger Julie-Anne Broderick told CBC News.
“We were flying in the opposite direction all of a sudden and it said our final destination was back in Toronto. So we were very confused and worried.”
WestJet released in a statement that all protocols for this type of situation were properly followed. Due to the potential for a deadly disease on board, the flight could not land in either the U.S. or the Jamaica.
“I guess this guy thought it was a funny joke but it’s just really weird. We were all very frustrated, to just displace 240 people … it’s just so selfish. We’ve lost a day of our vacation,” says Broderick.
The 29-year-old from Thornhill was arrested and charged with mischief. He is scheduled to appear in court on March 9.
WestJet later apologized to the 243 passengers affected.
Join and support independent free thinkers!
We’re independent and can’t be cancelled. The establishment media is increasingly dedicated to divisive cancel culture, corporate wokeism, and political correctness, all while covering up corruption from the corridors of power. The need for fact-based journalism and thoughtful analysis has never been greater. When you support The Post Millennial, you support freedom of the press at a time when it's under direct attack. Join the ranks of independent, free thinkers by supporting us today for as little as $1.
Remind me next month
To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy
