(North Saanich) The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said all commercial flights canceled at Victoria International Airport on Tuesday were due to the discovery of a threatening object in luggage.
Posted at 8:37 p.m.
Updated at 9:50 p.m.
According to the RCMP, the suspicious object appeared to be an “incendiary device” and was in the luggage of a traveler.
Corporal Andres Sanchez said the baggage in question was spotted during a security check in the departure check-in area around 1:30 p.m.
He said the device was seized by Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) personnel. The police were then called and a wing of the airport was closed to ensure public safety.
Corporal Sanchez added that a specialized unit was called in to inspect the device and that the airport would remain closed for several more hours.
He confirmed that the owner of the luggage is under investigation, but that the police will first have to determine the nature of the suspicious device before making an arrest and recommending that charges be laid.
“At this time, we are trying to determine if criminal charges are warranted since it is not yet clear what is in the luggage,” he revealed.
In a statement posted on the airport’s web portal on Tuesday afternoon, travelers were urged not to travel.
The message indicated that the airport authorities could not provide further information at this time, but that it would be done as soon as possible.
RCMP Sergeant Chris Manseau said officers were responding to “a threat” at the airport.
The latter added that there was no fear for the safety of the public, but the police are asking people to avoid the area.
In the late afternoon, a situation update posted on the airport’s Facebook page said the airlines were working on updating flight status. Several departures and arrivals have been cancelled.