Cancun, Q.R. — Six people from the Sunwing Montreal to Cancun party flight in December have been fined by Transport Canada. Transport Canada said the fines could reach as high as $5,000 each.
In a press release, Transport Canada said “ensuring the safety and security of passengers and crew on a flight is a top priority for Transport Canada. Civil aviation regulations and requirements must be respected, and anyone who does not comply is subject to serious penalties.
“In response to allegations of unacceptable behaviour reported to Transport Canada involving a flight from Montréal to Cancun on December 30, 2021, the department quickly launched an investigation.
“The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, announced today that Transport Canada has issued a series of penalties to passengers who were not fully vaccinated when they boarded their flight. To date, six passengers have received penalties, which could reach a maximum of $5,000 each.
“The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that more penalties will be issued in the coming days and weeks.”
Transport Canada began their investigation into the 154-passenger party flight on January 4, 2022 to determine “whether the Aeronautics Act, regulations or requirements pertaining to aviation safety and security were contravened during that flight.”
“Certain behaviors reported in connection with the flight on December 30, 2021, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This is why Transport Canada took immediate action. Aviation rules must be respected by everyone, for the sake of everyone’s safety. Transport Canada will continue to investigate and issue all necessary penalties,” the agency added.
Additional fines are expected to be issued in coming weeks. The six fined so far have not been identified, nor has the amount of their fine.