FILE PHOTO - The tail of a WestJet plane dwarfs the Calgary skyline before the airline's annual meeting in Calgary, Tuesday, May 3, 2016.
Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
September 10, 2016 - 11:30 AM
LONDON - WestJet says a flight from London to Edmonton diverted to Iceland on Saturday after the crew discovered a "potential mechanical issue."
The pilots aboard the Boeing 767 declared an in-flight emergency about two hours after taking off from Gatwick Airport.
It landed safely at Keflavik airport, and the airline said "all guests and crew will be taken care of until we arrange new flights."
WestJet airline didn't disclose the nature of the mechanical issue, but said the plane would remain in Iceland for maintenance, and passengers would be put up in hotels and given meal vouchers.
It declined to say how many people were onboard flight WS27, citing competition reasons.
WestJet spokeswoman Lauren Stewart said that declaring an emergency "does not necessarily mean an actual emergency has occurred," and is a measure taken "out of an abundance of caution."
News from © The Associated Press, 2016