Victoria Airport Reopens After RCMP Confirms Suspicious Device To Be An 'Incendiary Item'
20 flights were cancelled during the investigation.
Victoria International Airport has now reopened after police were called in to investigate a "potential risk" on Tuesday. Airport authorities have now confirmed that "an incendiary item and inert surplus military supplies," were found in checked luggage.
Parts of the airport were closed and around 20 flights were cancelled between 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24 while the investigation was conducted, according to a press release.
According to CTV News, "a pair of inert hand grenades," was among the items found in the luggage, which belonged to a passenger.
Update: The security incident has been resolved. The airport has reopened. There are a few late evening arrivals so please check the status of the flight. We appreciate everyone's cooperation today. #yyj #yyjops
— Victoria Int Airport (@Fly_YYJ) May 25, 2022
The RCMP responded to a call for service at the airport, at about 1:30 p.m. and confirmed that there was an incendiary item in the baggage and that it posed a "potential risk to airport staff and passengers," the release said.
The public was also asked to avoid the airport and the surrounding area.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP is currently responding to a threat at the YYJ airport. There are no public safety concerns, however the public is being asked to avoid the Victoria Airport area. Commercial flights have been cancelled. More information will be released when available.
— Sidney/N.S. RCMP (@SidneyRCMP) May 25, 2022
CTV News reported that another bag from the same passenger could not be scanned, and so the RCMP bomb disposal unit was called. According to the news outlet, the passenger has been released from police custody as the investigation continues and officers are allegedly pursuing a mischief charge.
"As always, the security and safety of our staff and visitors is our priority," said Geoff Dickson, the Victoria Airport Authority CEO and President.