Canada asks regulator to probe maskless party on airline as COVID cases soar

4 January 2022

Canada’s Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra takes part in a press conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada November 30, 2021. REUTERS/Blair Gable/File Photo

MONTREAL, Jan 4 (Reuters) – Canada’s minister of transport on Tuesday called for an investigation into reports of maskless revelers on a recent airline flight, as the country battles soaring cases of COVID-19.

Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said on Twitter he had asked regulator Transport Canada to investigate media reports of passengers snapping selfies, drinking alcohol and congregating close together on a Sunwing Airlines flight.Report ad

The French-language Journal de Montreal said the Sunwing Airlines flight from Montreal to Cancun, Mexico, on Dec. 30 was chartered by a private group.

I am aware of the reports of unacceptable behavior on a Sunwing flight. I have asked Transport Canada to investigate the matter. We must take the risks of COVID seriously!
— Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) January 4, 2022

Sunwing, a Toronto headquartered leisure operator, and Transport Canada were not immediately available for comment.

“This is unacceptable behaviour from passengers that puts our cabin crew at enormous risk,” said Rena Kisfalvi, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) local which represents Sunwing flight attendants.

“We need the airlines and the federal government to support and protect our members against this kind of mob behaviour and make sure it never happens again.”