A bomb threat forced a WestJet flight bound for Edmonton from Halifax to divert to Saskatoon on Saturday morning.
Saskatoon police said in a news release that the force's bomb disposal unit responded to John Diefenbaker Airport after a threat was made about an explosive device on a plane that left Halifax.
The release said the plane landed safely and that all passengers and crew were safely removed from the aircraft.
WestJet spokesman Robert Palmer said there were 147 passengers and a crew of six aboard the Boeing 737-800 that was diverted at around 9:30 a.m. CST.
Police interviewed all passengers and crew members before bringing in an Alberta RCMP canine unit certified in detecting explosives.
WestJet said passengers were provided with food and water while police investigated and that they were expected to reach their final destinations later in the day.
Police said Saturday afternoon they were still looking into the incident. Spokesperson Kelsie Fraser wouldn't release what agency received the threat.
The aircraft sat on the sun-baked tarmac away from the terminal with the baggage still on board through the afternoon, but police agreed to remove a pet carrier containing two cats.
It wasn't as easy as it sounds — the officer who did it had to wear an explosives protection suit in 32 C heat.
"It's a very, very hot suit on the best of days," Fraser said.
The Saskatoon Police Service Explosive Disposal Unit completely inspected the aircraft and it was determined that there were no explosives on board the airplane.
A recent press release also read that the threat originated in Ontario.
The investigation is being conducted with the support of the Ontario Provincial Police with support of the Saskatoon Police Service.
--- with CTV Saskatoon files
