(UPDATE) Fort St. John flight forced to return after takeoff due to pressurization issue

Update, November 5th, 11:40 a.m.: This story was updated to correct an error around when the flight departed for the second time. Energeticcity.ca is happy to set the record straight.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An early morning Air Canada Express flight from Fort St. John to Vancouver was forced to return to the airport shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue.

According to Jazz Aviation, which operates all Air Canada Express flights to and from the North Peace Regional Airport, AC Flight 8366 departed the airport at around 5:15 a.m. on Friday, October 31st, but turned back as a precaution after experiencing a pressurization issue.

“On October 31st, this flight experienced a pressurization issue and returned to Fort St. John as per our standard operating procedures,” said Teri Udle, director of communications for Jazz Aviation. 

“While the cause was investigated, an alternate aircraft operated the flight to Vancouver. We sincerely apologize to our passengers for this disruption.”

Following the return, passengers were transferred to another aircraft. According to Udle, the flight was delayed by seven hours and five minutes due to the return and the alternate aircraft having to fly in from Calgary.