Passengers Scream in Fear as Smoke Floods WestJet Cabin Mid-Flight About 30,000 Feet

A routine WestJet flight turned into a nightmare for passengers on Monday when thick smoke suddenly filled the aircraft cabin mid-flight, prompting screams, panic, and an emergency diversion. The incident occurred at approximately 30,000 feet, leaving passengers terrified and unsure whether they would make it safely to the ground.

The Incident

Flight WS247, en route from Calgary to Vancouver, was cruising at cruising altitude when passengers began to notice a faint burning smell. Moments later, the cabin was rapidly engulfed in smoke, triggering confusion and chaos. Eyewitnesses reported people crying, screaming, and attempting to grab oxygen masks, some of which failed to deploy immediately.

“It started as a faint smell, like something burning,” said passenger Olivia Chen, who was traveling for a business conference. “Within minutes, the whole cabin was filled with smoke. People were screaming and praying. I honestly thought that was it.”

Another passenger, David Klein, described the scene as “something straight out of a disaster movie.”

“You could hear people panicking, the flight attendants rushing to calm us down, and the pilots making announcements. But it was hard to hear over the commotion. I was terrified.”

Emergency Response

The flight crew acted quickly, donning oxygen masks and moving through the aisles to assess the situation and reassure passengers. The pilots immediately contacted air traffic control and initiated an emergency descent. Within minutes, the aircraft was cleared for an emergency landing at Kelowna International Airport in British Columbia.

The plane touched down safely just over 20 minutes after the smoke was first detected. Emergency vehicles were waiting on the tarmac, and all passengers were evacuated swiftly and without injury.

WestJet confirmed in a statement that the flight crew followed all emergency procedures and that there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew.

“Our crew responded promptly and professionally to a smoke situation onboard Flight WS247,” the statement read. “Out of an abundance of caution, the flight was diverted and landed safely in Kelowna. All guests were safely evacuated, and we are conducting a thorough investigation.”

Passenger Accounts of Terror

Social media quickly lit up with photos and videos from inside the aircraft, showing a hazy cabin and visibly distressed passengers. One video posted to X (formerly Twitter) showed a mother clutching her child while looking around in panic as alarms beeped in the background.

“The scariest moment of my life,” wrote user @JessWTravels, who posted a selfie-style video with the caption: “Can’t believe I’m alive right now. Thank you to the pilots and crew.”

Others shared their gratitude to the flight attendants, who many said remained calm and professional throughout the ordeal.

“I have so much respect for how they handled everything,” said Mark V., who was seated near the rear of the plane. “They didn’t panic. They kept people calm as best they could and got us down safely.”

Potential Cause Under Investigation

As of now, the exact cause of the smoke has not been confirmed. Aviation safety experts suggest possibilities such as an electrical malfunction, overheating components, or even a small fire in a systems bay.

Transport Canada has been notified and will be working alongside WestJet’s internal safety teams to investigate the source of the smoke. A full mechanical inspection of the aircraft is currently underway.

According to aviation analyst Julie Denning, smoke in the cabin is considered one of the most serious in-flight emergencies.

“Unlike other mechanical issues, smoke can quickly incapacitate passengers and crew, and it often points to fire—one of the most dangerous scenarios you can have in the air,” Denning said. “Quick thinking by the crew likely prevented a far worse outcome.”

Mental and Emotional Toll

Though no physical injuries were reported, several passengers said the experience left them shaken and emotionally drained. Some reported experiencing chest tightness, dizziness, or anxiety attacks in the aftermath.

Counseling services were offered to passengers upon arrival, and WestJet has pledged to provide continued support, including accommodation and rebooking for those stranded by the diversion.

“I’m just grateful to be alive,” said Olivia Chen. “But I’m not sure when—or if—I’ll be able to get back on a plane again.”

A Wake-Up Call for Airline Safety

While WestJet has a strong safety record, this incident is raising questions about mechanical integrity and maintenance standards. Aviation watchdog groups are calling for increased oversight and more frequent inspections of older aircraft.

“This event underscores how vital it is for airlines to remain vigilant,” said aviation safety consultant Mike Halpern. “When passengers board a plane, they put their lives in the hands of technology and training. Incidents like these must be taken seriously.”

Company Response

WestJet CEO Alexis Morgan released a video statement the next morning, addressing the incident directly and assuring the public that passenger safety remains the airline’s top priority.

“I want to personally thank the crew of Flight WS247 for their professionalism and quick actions,” Morgan said. “We are relieved that all passengers are safe, and we will not rest until we know exactly what caused this and how we can prevent it from ever happening again.”

Looking Ahead

As the investigation continues, passengers and their families are left to process the traumatic event. For many, it was a harrowing reminder of the inherent risks of air travel, even in a country with one of the strongest aviation safety records in the world.

Still, for all the fear and chaos, the professionalism and training of the flight crew prevailed—turning what could have been a tragedy into a story of survival.