A flight from Vancouver to Toronto was diverted to Winnipeg on Friday after a passenger attempted to open the cabin door.

WestJet said in an email to CTV News Winnipeg that flight 710 was diverted to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport after someone tried to open the door mid-flight.

A WestJet spokesperson said, "As per standard protocol, WestJet engaged the RCMP and local EMS to meet the aircraft upon its arrival in Winnipeg, and the guest was detained."

The spokesperson noted that it is not possible to open "the secured and pressurized aircraft doors at high altitudes."

The Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) confirmed that the flight was diverted around 4 p.m.

Michel Rosette, Communications Director at WAA, said the airport is always prepared for diverted flights as Winnipeg Airport is a major hub in North America.

Rosette said, "Based on our role as a major airport in the middle not only of the country but the continent as well." "Manitoba is located in an area with a lot of major international flights traveling between the United States (the U.S.) to overseas markets - Europe, Asia, and the Middle East - so we have the infrastructure and staffing levels always ready to accommodate a diversion."

WestJet said passengers were able to complete their journey to Toronto after landing in Winnipeg.

In an email to CTV News Winnipeg, the RCMP said the flight crew and other passengers were able to intervene and restrain the suspect until the plane landed in Winnipeg.

An 18-year-old man from Victoria, British Columbia, was arrested and charged with endangering an aircraft under the Aviation Act.

The RCMP said he was released and is scheduled to appear in court on May 23, 2024.