WestJet passengers diverted to Regina after in-flight engine issue

A WestJet flight from Winnipeg to Saskatoon made an emergency landing in Regina after an engine issue.

A WestJet flight from Winnipeg to Saskatoon made an unexpected landing in Regina on Wednesday night.

James Bogusz, president and CEO of the Regina Airport Authority, said he was notified around 6:20 p.m. that a flight bound for Saskatoon had declared an emergency and was diverting to Regina.

“What we understand is the emergency entailed an engine being out on the aircraft, so with that in mind we have to enact our emergency response procedures, just in case,” he said.

According to Bogusz, those procedures include activation of the airport’s on-site fire service, as well as the response of Regina fire crews, EMS and police.

“In the airport world, this is called an aircraft standby — so we’re essentially standing by in case that aircraft needs extra support,” he said.

The flight landed safely on Regina’s main runway around 6:45 p.m. before being towed to the main terminal building. Some passengers were transported to Saskatoon by bus, while others were accommodated overnight.

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Bogusz said while this aircraft landed without incident, the airport is always prepared to handle emergencies.

“From time to time, aircraft divert for other reasons as well — like a medical call or a mechanical concern. Each situation is unique,” he said. “One thing I want to assure viewers is we’re ready.

“This airport has an on-site fire service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We have a great relationship with the City of Regina, which dispatches resources almost in real time. It’s a well-oiled machine — and we practice every two years with a full-scale emergency exercise.”

The aircraft remained at the airport overnight and was still on the ground in Regina as of Thursday morning.

“It’d really be over to WestJet to determine what next steps are required,” Bogusz said. “We’re happy to host it here until it’s ready to fly again.”

WestJet has confirmed that flight WS3547 diverted to Regina last night due to maintenance and that the flight landed safely, and all guests and crew deplaned.