Person arrested after Mexico-bound plane from Paris is diverted to Canada

MONTREAL, CANADA (BNO NEWS) — An Aeromexico flight from Paris to Mexico City was diverted to the Canadian city of Montreal on Sunday following a security incident, officials confirmed.

Aeromexico flight 06, operated by a Boeing 767-300, was diverted to Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport after being denied access to U.S. airspace. One person – who may have been on the no-fly list – was taken into custody aboard the plane.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed a passenger was arrested on an outstanding warrant. “TSA is aware of Aero Mexico flight 006 from Charles De Gaulle Airport to Mexico City International Airport which was diverted to Montreal due to a person of interest,” said Lauren Gaches, a spokeswoman for the TSA. “The flight landed safely and was met by law enforcement. Officers removed the individual from the flight and arrested the person on an outstanding warrant.”

All other passengers aboard were re-screened and, several hours later, the flight continued on to its scheduled destination. Gaches did not say why the person was being sought, but said the United States has the ability to refuse entry to any flight.

“The United States’ ability to refuse entry into its territory of any flight it deems to present a threat to its security is recognized by numerous countries and is consistent with international agreements,” she said.

A witness on board the plane, Mexican senator Francisco Javier Castellon, said the passenger arrested was an Arab-looking man and was on seat 23H.

The plane, which departed Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport at 10.31 a.m. CEST (4.31 a.m. EDT), was carrying 150 passengers.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed it was at the airport to assist, but refused to provide further information.

Further details were not immediately available.

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