A man who caused a disturbance on a flight over the weekend is now facing a number of charges.

RCMP at the Winnipeg International Airport responded to a report of an unruly passenger on a flight that was travelling from Vancouver to Toronto on Sunday afternoon.  The plane was diverting to Winnipeg in order to have the male removed from the aircraft.

Police allege that a 60-year-old man lit a cigarette during the flight and refused to follow directions from the flight crew.  He also refused to wear his personal protective face mask when directed to do so.

Police say the man was arrested without incident.

The man lives in Surrey, B.C. He has been charged with 

·Mischief Over $5000 Section 430(3) Criminal Code

·Smoke onboard aircraft Section 602.06(1) Canadian Aviation Security Regulations ($5000.00 maximum fine)

·Fail to Comply with instructions of flight crew Section 602.05(1) Canadian Aviation Security Regulations ($3000.00 maximum fine)

·Fail to Comply with instructions of flight crew (refusal to wear face mask) Section 18 No. 10 Interim Order to Prevent Certain Persons from Boarding Flights in Canada due to Covid 19. ($5000.00 maximum fine)

He was remanded into custody.

RCMP continue to investigate.