VIRGIN ATLANTIC DIVERTED TO HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA

UNCLAS HALIFAX 000125 SIPDIS DEPT FOR OPS CENTER AND CA/OCS DEPT FOR WHA/CAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC EAIR CA UK SUBJECT: VIRGIN ATLANTIC DIVERTED TO HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA ¶1. (U) A Virgin Atlantic A-340, was en-route from Heathrow Airport in London to JFK International in New York when the airplane started broadcasting an internationally recognized hijacking alert code. Canadian CF-18 fighter jets were scrambled from Bagotville in Quebec and escorted the plane in to the International Airport in Halifax. ¶2. All instructions and directions given by the F-18's were complied with by the Virgin Atlantic pilot. ¶3. Upon touchdown in Halifax, the plane was diverted to the far end of the airport and surrounded by airport security personnel and Royal Canadian Mounted Police sent to the airport in response to the situation. ¶4. The pilot was in communication with the chief operating officer of the airport, Peter Clarke, as well as with RCMP officers on the ground. Air Canada moved in air steps and the pilot was instructed to exit the plane. ¶5. After a brief conversation with personnel on the ground, the RCMP and the pilot reboarded the plane to observe the malfunctioning alarm. ¶6. At approximately 1:45 p.m., Mr. Clarke informed TDY Consul that the RCMP was satisfied that the alarm had indeed malfunctioned and stated that Air Canada maintenance crews were on board attempting to fix the alarm. ¶7. Mr. Clarke reported that the plane had a total of 272 passengers and 17 crew members on board. A manifest with nationalities was not available. No passengers were taken off the plane. ¶8. After reports from the airport that the USG was not going to allow the plane to travel into United States air space, we were informed at approximately 4:10 this afternoon that the plane had taken off and was headed for New York. hill HILL