Package on A-I jet forces return to Toronto

Air India flight 188 from Toronto heading towards India with 160 passengers and crew on board returned to Pearson Airport in Toronto after about one hour of take off at 9.30 pm on Monday as a passenger reported a suspicious package in the wash room.

As the plane landed in an isolated and secure area of terminal 3, with the help of a robot, the package was detonated and its contents are being analysed, Peel police said in a quick media briefing at the airport.

This reporter spoke to Air India's Assistant Manager Ram Kulipackan who was at the Air India office at the airport. 

He would only say, "I don't know anything. I have just come here. You have to talk to our airport manager. He should be coming here shortly."

When asked about the passengers, he said, "It is better the airport manager talks with you."

This reporter waited in front of the Air India counter for almost 2 hours and there was no trace of Air India Airport Manager K P Saha.

What was also surprising was that of all the passengers there, only one relative showed up. Sunny DeMello said his father "is among the 149 passengers and he spoke with us. He's okay."

When asked whether he was worried in the light of what happened to an Air India flight 21 years ago, his answer was "No, Air India is safe, but I am here to talk to my dad."

He was heard talking with Air India security staff and they wouldn't say anything. "I am wondering where relatives of other passengers are. After all, there are 149 passengers." he said.

One member of the Air India security staff said he was on duty on Monday night. "The plane left at 9.30 p.m. I was to finish my shift at 10 pm, but I was advised to stay on."

Police spoke with all the passengers. So far nobody would claim whose package it was inside the washroom.

Passengers have been allowed to disembark, but they are still inside the security area, which is restricted area, and they aren't allowed to go outside. 

That would entail 3-4 hours of extra work in once again screening hand luggage, passengers, and so on.

"The plane is there. Their luggage is in the plane. As soon as the police and Transport Canada gives them the clearance, the plane will take off," one member of Air India security staff said.