Fighter jets escort Air Canada flight from Brussels after identity fraud triggers security alert

A major security response was triggered at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport after an identity fraud case involving stolen frequent flyer points led authorities to treat a flight as a potential national security threat.

The incident involved Air Canada flight AC833 from Brussels to Montreal on 18 March, operated by Boeing 777-300ER with tail number C-FNNQ. Authorities discovered that a man attempting to board another flight was already registered onboard AC833, revealing that his identity had been fraudulently used by a passenger on the aircraft to access Aeroplan points.

Given the seriousness of a false identity on board a commercial flight, the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) deployed two fighter jets to escort the Boeing 777  safely to Montreal: a Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet and a US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon. The aircraft landed without incident.

Upon arrival, the suspect’s luggage was treated as a potential threat, prompting inspection by sniffer dogs and explosives experts, though no dangerous item was found. The individual was arrested and questioned by the Sûreté du Québec before being released with a summons. A second person initially detained was later cleared.

The case highlights growing concerns around fraud targeting loyalty programs like Aeroplan, and how such incidents can escalate into full-scale security operations due to strict post-9/11 aviation protocols.