GANDER, NL – It wasn’t to the scale of the nearly 7,000 passengers that arrived in 2001, following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, but Gander continues to prove it is more than capable of caring for the masses.
Two medical emergencies saw international flights diverted to Gander International Airport during the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 26.
The planes – one from British Airways and the other from Norwegian Air – arrived in Gander within 20 minutes of each other.
There were nearly 500 passengers and crew between the two aircraft.
Gander International Airport Authority President and CEO Reg. Wright, said a shortage of available hotel rooms in Gander, as the tourism season is underway, saw the bulk of the stranded passengers confined to the airport.
A mixture of snow and rain conditions also discouraged movement outside of the airport.
Also, it would be late into the evening of June 26, and early the next morning before the passengers would depart.
Right away, Wright said, the airport started looking into the individual needs of each passengers, assisting those with mobility issues, the needs of babies and unaccompanied minors, and lining up medications.
The airport’s VIP room was converted into a nursery/quiet space for babies, and a list of needs such as diapers, formula and creams was gathered. Two televisions, while not typically used in the international lounge, were set up to provide entertainment. The crew lounge, which contains a number of games, was also opened up for use.
Furthermore, the British Airways flight had come from Jamaica and the travelers weren’t prepared for Canadian elements. All available blankets were distributed, and the Canadian Red Cross and the Salvation Army stepped in to provide more.
But perhaps most importantly, Wright said, airport staff, management and volunteers were there for the passengers.
“Every moment until they departed we were there, circulating to help out with any situation that may arise,” he said. “One of the most important things in a situation like that is just being present and having an open ear.”
Spending money
While airlines cover some of the cost, such as meal vouchers and hotels, the airport stepped forward to do what it could.
The support team purchased food, toothbrushes, toiletries, baby related items and phone chargers.
“We wouldn’t do it in every single (situation, but with) extenuating circumstances we’ll get involved,” he said. “So, we bought the pizza, the toothbrushes, the baby stuff. It’s what you do because you’re in a position to help.”
The total cost of the airport’s contributions hasn’t been tallied, but Wright said it will likely run into thousands of dollars.
“When you see people and they’re distressed, frustrated and, in some cases, haven’t eaten in some time, and you’re in a position to help, you go ahead and do what you can do.”
And the efforts didn’t appear to go unnoticed.
While the Beacon wasn’t provided access to the international lounge, viewing areas showed fairly high-spirited travelers, with cheers coming from those gathered around the TVs to watch the World Cup.
Outside of the international lounge, Liam Reeve was catching some rest on one of the benches.
The 17-year-old was travelling from Maine, U.S.A to Cork, Ireland, for a family reunion, when the Norwegian Air flight was diverted to Gander.
He said the treatment of passengers by airport staff was great.
And like the Gander Airport’s president, for Liam it was about “making the best of a bad situation.”
