Threats of bombs aboard flights from Germany to Calgary investigated, found ‘not credible’

Bomb threats, later determined to be false, caused an issue in Calgary's skies on Monday.

Threats of bombs aboard flights from Germany to Calgary were received on Monday afternoon.

The threats turned out to be “not credible,” but it created a significant response.

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Monday evening, a North American Aerospace Defense Command spokesperson provided CTV News with a statement:

“Out of an abundance of caution, North American Aerospace Defense Command CF-18 aircraft and F-15 fighter aircraft, as well as supporting aerial refueling aircraft, responded to three commercial passenger aircraft flying from Germany to Calgary International Airport, Alberta, Canada, shortly after 2:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time, September 15, after Canadian authorities received reports of bomb threats aboard those flights,” the statement read.

“The aircraft landed without incident at Calgary International Airport after the threats were determined to be not credible.”

Minister of Defence David McGuinty’s office also provided CTV News with a statement on Monday evening:

“Earlier today, and out of an abundance of caution, NORAD responded to reports of bomb threats aboard three commercial passenger planes flying from Germany to Calgary with Canadian CF-18s and American F-15s,” said Alice Hansen, director of communications.

“All three commercial aircraft landed without incident at Calgary International Airport. The police investigation is ongoing.”

Police had said earlier in the afternoon they were called to the Calgary International Airport.

According to police, officers were dispatched around 2:20 p.m. “for an incident involving an incoming aircraft.”

As of 5 p.m., police were still investigating.

However, police said, “The aircraft landed, and all passengers disembarked the aircraft safely.”

Footage of passengers disembarking was later shared by Letsgoplanespotting on the Facebook group YYC Calgary Airport Spotters:

Police later released a follow-up statement:

“As of 7:15 PM this evening the incident a the Calgary International Airport has been resolved and police have confirmed that there is no threat to the public,” police said.

“Limited disruption to regular YYC operations resulted from this investigation.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney later posted to X, saying, “Grateful to (NORAD command) for their swift responses and coordination to protect our skies, and ensure the safety and security of Canadians at all times.”

A statement sent to CTV News from Germany’s Condor Airlines said the security alert was “analyzed in detail by internal and external experts.”

“The aircraft landed safely in Calgary and subsequently underwent a comprehensive safety check in accordance with the prescribed procedures. At no time was there any danger to the 222 guests and twelve crew members.”

With files by Judy Trinh