Multiple Canadian airports hit with delays after bomb threats temporarily ground flights

Multiple Canadian airports faced bomb threats Thursday morning that grounded flights and are expected to cause widespread delays, according to air traffic control manager Nav Canada.

"Early this morning, NAV CANADA was made aware of bomb threats affecting facilities in Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver," Nav Canada said in a statement posted to X around 8:30 a.m. ET.

"Employees at impacted locations are safe, and a temporary ground stop has been implemented at the affected airports."

In an update posted at 9:18 a.m., Nav Canada said service is gradually resuming, after evacuations at a number of sites and subsequent threat assessments by authorities.

"Travellers are advised to check directly with their airline for the latest updates, as delays are expected. We thank airlines and passengers for their patience as we work toward normal operations," the update said.

RCMP at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport received a bomb threat at around 6:05 a.m. CT, RCMP told CBC News in a written statement. "The phone call stated there was a bomb in the control tower," an RCMP spokesperson said. "Officers conducted a physical search of the tower and no suspicious items were located."

The Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport said on X that it was "currently investigating a security incident" and warned that operations may be disrupted. It added that some operations have been proceeding as planned.

The Ottawa Police Service also said on X that it was investigating a security incident at the Ottawa airport.

In a statement to CBC News, the Edmonton International Airport confirmed a "security incident" was causing a "handful of delays."

"The safety and security of our passengers, team members and partners is our top priority.  We can confirm a security incident had minimal impact on operations this morning," a spokesperson said.

In Vancouver, the Vancouver Airport Authority said flights were operating normally, but it was aware of the incident.

"Safety and security remains our top priority and a thorough threat assessment was conducted," the authority said.

Officials at Montreal's airport authority say operations there had resumed as of 7:30 a.m.

An Air Canada spokesperson said "there has been minimal impact on our operations" and advised people to check the status of their flights.