The winter weather proved to be tricky to navigate for more than just vehicles Thursday morning.
An Air Canada Jazz plane skidded off a runway at the London International Airport around 6:45am. The airplane was taxiing to its takeoff position when it slid a few feet off of the pavement and came to rest on a snow covered grass-area.
Gerry Vanderhoek, manager of passenger experience at the airport, said none of the 53 passengers on board were hurt. All were shuttled back to the terminal.
"We got them some hot chocolate and coffee and they have been re-booking on other flights throughout the day today," said Vanderhoek. "The flights are fairly booked but Air Canada is doing the best they can to get everybody out of here."
The aircraft, operating as Air Canada Jazz flight 8640 from London to Toronto, was shut down as a precaution.
"The airline would definitely have to inspect the aircraft before it can take off again. They are sending mechanics down from Toronto to inspect it before the aircraft can leave," said Vanderhoek.
Other flights have departed from the airport without trouble since the minor incident. Vanderhoek stressed this is a rare situation.
"I've been at the airport a long time and this is the first incident like this I've seen," said Vanderhoek. "We are always on the runways to ensure they are clear of snow, ice or contaminate. We work on them all night and all day, especially with the weather that's going on. The runway was in good condition at the time."
