Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said he had asked Transport Canada to investigate reports of “unacceptable” behavior on a recent Sunwing Airlines flight to Cancun, Mexico.
Videos from the December 30 flight shared on social media appear to show passengers wearing no masks as they congregate nearby, dancing in the aisle and in the seats. In one video, a large bottle of vodka appears to pass among the passengers.
According to reports, the plane had been chartered and some of the passengers were members of the Quebec reality TV show cast.
Alghabra said in a Twitter post that the risks of COVID-19 must be taken seriously.
I am aware of reports of unacceptable behavior on a Sunwing flight. I have asked Transport Canada to investigate the matter. We must take the risks of COVID seriously!
Rena Kisfalvi, president of the local of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which represents approximately 1,000 Sunwing flight attendants, also called the behavior unacceptable.
In a statement, Sunwing says it has informed Transport Canada of the behavior and that its security service is investigating.
“The health and safety of our employees and passengers is our top priority,” said Sunwing. The behavior of the passengers was “unruly and contravened several Canadian aviation regulations as well as public health regulations.”
He also said he set conditions for the group’s return to Montreal on January 5, but that “unfortunately the group did not agree to all the conditions”. As a result, Sunwing canceled the return flight.
“Coffeeaholic. Lifelong alcohol fanatic. Typical travel expert. Prone to fits of apathy. Internet trailblazer.”