by Kevin Burton
On this day 25 years ago, Canada proved its friendship to the United States beyond any shadow of doubt.
I never knew what Canada did as a reaction to the 9/11 attacks, which were perpetrated mostly by Saudi Arabian nationals, until this week. When I learned of it, I was unsurprised. It is in keeping with the support this country has gotten from its northern neighbor throughout my lifetime.
I am using the term “neighbor” in the truest sense of the word. It’s a disgrace that some in this country no longer treat Canada the same way.
The Canadian effort was called “Operation Yellow Ribbon,” and it provided essential security to calm the situation in the airspace above the United States.
“On Sept. 11, 2001, as the United States faced unprecedented terrorist attacks, Canada initiated Operation Yellow Ribbon to manage the diversion of civilian flights from U.S. airspace,” reads an article on the911legacy.org. “This operation aimed to quickly remove potentially threatening air traffic from U.S. skies and safely ground these aircraft in Canada.”
“Between 225 and 240 flights were diverted to 17 Canadian airports, with Gander International Airport in Newfoundland playing a pivotal role.”
“The operation officially began at 9:45 a.m. Eastern Time, when Ben Sliney, in his first day on the job as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) National Operations Manager, ordered all U.S. airspace to be shut down as a result of the attacks, an unprecedented act,” according to Wikipedia.
“After learning that the FAA had closed down US airspace, Canadian Transport Minister David Collenette gave orders that Canadian airports be open only for outgoing police, military, and humanitarian flights, and incoming U.S. bound international flights. This was the first unplanned closure of Canadian airspace.”
“About 500 flights were en route to the U.S. at the time of the attacks. Transport Canada instructed Nav Canada (a non-profit corporation that manages Canada’s civil air navigation system) to give permission for transoceanic flights that were at least halfway towards their destination (i.e. had already passed the point of no return across the Atlantic or Pacific ocean) to land at the nearest Canadian airport, depending on their point of origin and remaining fuel. Planes were entering Canadian airspace at a rate of one to two planes per minute.”
“Prior to landing, most pilots did not inform passengers of the situation or the attacks in order to avoid fear and panic. On some planes, even pilots were unaware of the terrorist attacks<” according to Wikipedia. “Global TV quoted one pilot telling reporters: ‘When we were in the air, we really didn’t know what was going on. All we heard was security measures and we were diverted. That was all we knew…’”
“Only after landing did pilots tell passengers what had happened, sometimes addressing passengers directly in the cabin. The Washington Post quoted a woman whose flight from Frankfurt, Germany to Dallas was diverted to Pearson, saying that three hours before landing, the pilot announced that the plane was heading through turbulence. She went on to say that ‘then he said we were experiencing strong headwinds and we had to land in Canada to refuel. When we landed, he said, ‘Okay, there’s been a terrorist attack.’”
After planes landed, Canadian kindness had really just begun.
“Passengers had to wait for hours to disembark because Transport Canada was on high-security alert. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) deployed extra personnel to airports so that they could perform a security sweep of each aircraft, lined up on closed runways at most airports. They also increased their presence in the airport terminals,” according to Wikipedia.
“At some airports, stranded passengers watched television coverage while others talked to the airport chaplains, as at Pearson. Airports had crisis support teams to help them.”
“Gander, once a critical refueling stop during World War II due to its strategic location as the most easterly point in North America, had seen reduced activity in subsequent years. However, its expansive runways and facilities remained capable of accommodating large aircraft,” reads the911legacy.org report. “On 9/11, Gander handled 38 wide-body planes, bringing in more than 6,500 passengers and crew—nearly doubling the town’s population of around 10,000.”
“The residents of Gander and neighboring communities exemplified remarkable hospitality. They provided shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support to the stranded passengers, who were affectionately termed ‘come from aways.’ Schools, community centers, and homes were opened to accommodate the influx, showcasing a profound sense of compassion and unity.”
Meanwhile similar security measures and human kindnesses were exhibited in Western Canada, according to Wikipedia.
“Most flights coming from Asia and the Pacific to destinations on the US West Coast and points beyond had no choice but to land at Vancouver International Airport, as it was the only major Canadian airport on the West Coast capable of handling the large aircraft used for transpacific flights. Thirty-four flights carrying 8,500 passengers landed in Vancouver.”
A nation shaken to its core, discovered who its true friends were, and Canada was at the front of the list.
“The CBC reported that the operation received thanks from Washington. US Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta said at a White House news briefing that “we owe our Canadian neighbors a debt of gratitude for helping us as we redirected…flights and their passengers to airports in Canada,” According to Wikipedia.
“On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, President Barack Obama recalled Canada’s help on that day, and expressed his gratitude for Canada’s friendship and solidarity.
“Operation Yellow Ribbon stands as a testament to international cooperation and the strength of human kindness in times of crisis. The swift actions of Canadian authorities and the heartfelt response from communities like Gander provided solace during a period of profound uncertainty, leaving an indelible mark on all who were touched by this act of goodwill,” reads the911legacy.org story.
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