Up To $60,000 in Penalties for Passengers on Rowdy Sunwing Flight

Following Transport Canada’s investigation into the Montréal-Cancun flight of December 30, 2021, the agency announced today that it has issued a total of 42 penalties to 37 of the 154 passengers, including 18 penalties for non-compliance of vaccination status, and 24 penalties for not respecting instructions to wear a mask.

The total value of these penalties, which could reach a maximum of $5,000 each, is $59,500.

The December 30 flights sparked outrage and headlines around the world after a video showed some passengers whooping it up, drinking vodka, vaping, and appearing to flout public health rules. 

Since January 4, 2022, Transport Canada has been conducting an investigation to determine whether the Aeronautics Act, regulations or requirements pertaining to aviation safety and security were contravened during that flight. If non-compliance is identified, Transport Canada ensures that all appropriate enforcement actions are taken. The results of the investigation will determine if further sanctions will be issued in connection with this flight.

“Aviation rules are not to be taken lightly,” said Transport Minister Omar Alghabra. “With this investigation, we want to send a clear message: the behaviour of some passengers on the Montréal-Cancun flight of December 30 was unacceptable, and it is not tolerated. Transport Canada will continue to ensure that all aviation rules are followed at all times.”

Quick facts

The December 30, 2021, flight from Montréal to Cancun that Transport Canada is investigating carried a total of 154 passengers.

Under the applicable Interim Order Respecting Certain Requirements for Civil Aviation Due to COVID-19, all passengers must be fully vaccinated to board a flight departing from Canada and must comply with the instructions of crew members regarding the wearing of masks.

All passengers aboard a flight are subject to all civil aviation regulations and requirements. A passenger can receive more than one penalty if they have contravened more than one of the regulations or requirements.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Canada, public health authorities and the Canadian aviation industry, including operators, airports and unions, have worked together to implement measures to reduce the spread of the virus and protect workers and travellers.