Aeroport Quebec Evacuated After Threat Call Sparks Large Police Security Operation
A threat call to 911 late Sunday prompted an evacuation of the Jean-Lesage terminal and a major security response at Aeroport Quebec, with police establishing a perimeter, deploying a dog team and requesting explosive technicians before checks cleared the scene in the early hours.
Aeroport Quebec Evacuation and Police Response
The Service de police de la Ville de Québec (SPVQ) received a threatening call around 10: 10 pm ET and moved quickly to secure the airport and carry out checks. The terminal was evacuated as a precaution and a safety perimeter was set up near the main terminal, with the site blocked to all traffic while officers searched for an object identified as potentially suspicious.
Police requested a maître-chien, investigators from the municipal force and artificiers from the Sûreté du Québec to assist on scene. Some aircraft were held on the tarmac and departures were temporarily halted while the checks were under way. Witnesses described a substantial emergency presence arriving at the airport during the response.
Security Checks, Clearances and Return to Service
Following searches and technical examinations of the reported object, the SPVQ found that the item of concern was unfounded. The airport asked the public to avoid the area “until further notice” while the operation unfolded and reiterated that the safety of passengers, staff and visitors remained its top priority.
Shortly before 3: 00 am ET the airport was accessible again, and by about 3: 30 am ET normal operations had resumed. The temporary restrictions included closure of access to parts of the airport grounds during the response and immobilization of some parked aircraft until authorities completed their verifications.
Investigation Under Way Into Origin Of Call
With checks on the object completed and the scene declared safe, the SPVQ is continuing an investigation to determine the origin of the call and identify who placed it. The probe will focus on establishing responsibility for the threatening call and whether any charges are warranted.
The rapid mobilization of municipal police, canine units and provincial explosive technicians underscores the priority placed on public safety in such incidents. Authorities have not released further details about the caller or motives as the inquiry remains active.
The situation offers a reminder of the operational disruption that threat calls can cause at transport hubs and the resources required to resolve them safely. Airport officials and police have left open the possibility of additional updates as the investigation progresses.
The airport’s terminal and operations are back in service, and travelers affected by the incident were able to continue their journeys after the scene was cleared and checks concluded.
