A female U.S. citizen reportedly requested asylum in Canada while travelling on Air Canada Flight AC1730 from Phoenix to Montreal on September 20. The passenger, seated in Row 14, reportedly attracted crew attention because of unusual behaviour.
According to reports, she told flight attendants she was taking medication for mental health conditions and later handed them handwritten notes requesting asylum in Canada. The crew informed the flight deck and ground operations while monitoring the situation.
The passenger reportedly remained calm and was not considered a threat, allowing the Airbus A319 to continue to Montreal. The aircraft, registered C-FYJE, landed safely at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport after the approximately four-hour flight.
Authorities and border officials reportedly met the aircraft after landing to assist with the asylum request. The reasons behind the request and the outcome of the case have not been publicly established. A request for asylum does not itself mean refugee status or permission to remain in Canada has been granted.