Passengers on the Sunwing flight to Panama got a double dose of fear and aggressive handling today after their flight turned back to Toronto because of an unruly man. The 25-year-old seems to have been overcome by anger because Sunwing was unable to supply certain duty-free goods he ordered. He screamed, ripped up material and threatened to bomb the plane. He said among a number of things that everyone on board was going to die and that he hated Canada. The plane immediately turned back to Toronto, even though it was about 45 minutes out. At Pearson Airport, the Peel Region Emergency Response Team came aboard the plane, rifles pointed and screaming “Heads down, hands up.” It isn’t surprising that a few passenger couldn’t quite get it right. The man, identified as Ali Shahi, is charged and in custody. Passengers have had lunch at the airport courtesy Sunwing and will be heading to Panama today. Sunwing said: “We are pleased to advise that all customers are safe and generally in good spirits. Sunwing is providing customers with complimentary meals and other assistance while they await the official start of their vacation.” Photos: Captures from two videos taken by Sunwing passengers. Top credit Phil Thompson, bottom with hands showing, Alain Alphonso “Heads down, hands up” as cops board holiday jet
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Passengers on the Sunwing flight to Panama got a double dose of fear and aggressive handling today after their flight turned back to Toronto because of an unruly man. The 25-year-old seems to have been overcome by anger because Sunwing was unable to supply certain duty-free goods he ordered. He screamed, ripped up material and threatened to bomb the plane. He said among a number of things that everyone on board was going to die and that he hated Canada. The plane immediately turned back to Toronto, even though it was about 45 minutes out. At Pearson Airport, the Peel Region Emergency Response Team came aboard the plane, rifles pointed and screaming “Heads down, hands up.” It isn’t surprising that a few passenger couldn’t quite get it right. The man, identified as Ali Shahi, is charged and in custody. Passengers have had lunch at the airport courtesy Sunwing and will be heading to Panama today. Sunwing said: “We are pleased to advise that all customers are safe and generally in good spirits. Sunwing is providing customers with complimentary meals and other assistance while they await the official start of their vacation.” Photos: Captures from two videos taken by Sunwing passengers. Top credit Phil Thompson, bottom with hands showing, Alain Alphonso 