NLIS 3 
September 12, 2001
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
 

Update on passengers and crew of international flights

Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization, Oliver Langdon, provided an update Wednesday morning with respect to the passengers who arrived in Newfoundland and Labrador yesterday on flights bound for the United States.

Deplaning has now been completed in St. John's, Stephenville and Goose Bay. Passengers have been registered by the Red Cross and taken to alternate accommodations in various locations within the vicinity of the town in which they landed earlier today. It is anticipated that deplaning in Gander will be completed by 11:00 a.m. today.

In St. John's, 27 planes carrying approximately 4,500 passengers and crew have cleared immigration and have been transported to accommodations in the city. In Stephenville, 1,108 passengers and crew from eight flights have been assigned to accommodations in various communities in the vicinity. The 816 passengers and crew aboard the five planes that landed in Goose Bay have been given accommodations. In Gander, deplaning is expected to be completed by 11:00 a.m. There are a total of 6,579 passengers and crew from 38 flights. The Town of Gander has identified accommodations for all those on board these flights and is awaiting 3,000 cots from the Department of National Defense in Ottawa. The cots are expected to arrive this afternoon. 

The minister expressed his appreciation to the many thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that have come to the aid of the passengers and crew of these international flights. 

"The team effort of government and other agencies has been overwhelming, as has the willingness to help from private citizens," said Minister Langdon. "Many people have contacted us and offered their homes to the passengers, a gesture that it sincerely appreciated. Our province's reputation of generosity and kindness for those in need has certainly been evident during this tragic period." The minister noted that it is more convenient to keep the passengers and crew at common locations until the status of their departures is determined.

The minister visited Mile One Stadium last night as the passengers were arriving. "I was very impressed with the control of the situation. Every comfort possible was offered to the people including food and beverages, blankets, cots, telephones and televisions." Services are also being provided for pets who had been traveling on the flights.

Over 13,000 people landed in the province yesterday on flights destined for the United States.

Government will keep the public informed as events unfold.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2001 09 12                                      12:25 p.m.