Operation Yellow Ribbon facts for kids

Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada, welcomed 38 planes carrying 6,122 passengers and 473 crew during Operation Yellow Ribbon.

Lufthansa named one of its Airbus A340 planes "Gander – Halifax" to thank these two cities for helping its stranded flights during Operation Yellow Ribbon.

Operation Yellow Ribbon was a big effort by Canada to help with civilian airplanes that had to change their routes because of the September 11 attacks in 2001. The main goal was to quickly move any planes that might be a danger out of the sky over the United States. This also kept them away from places in the U.S. that could be targets.

Instead, these planes were safely landed in Canada. Most landed at military and regular airports in Canadian provinces like Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia. Some also landed in New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. Canada started this operation after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered all planes across the United States to land. The FAA then worked with Transport Canada to send incoming international flights to Canadian airports.

How Many Planes Landed?

The exact number of planes and passengers that landed in Canada varies a bit depending on who you ask. Transport Canada, a government group, said that over 33,000 passengers arrived on 224 flights. However, NAV CANADA, which manages air traffic, reported 239 flights.

Canada's Prime Minister at the time, Jean Chrétien, mentioned that the number of flights was between 225 and 250. He also said that between 30,000 and 45,000 passengers were involved.

Where Did the Planes Go?

Here is a list from NAV CANADA showing which airports received the most planes:

Thank You from the U.S.

On the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, U.S. President Barack Obama remembered Canada's help during that difficult time. He shared his thanks for Canada's friendship and support.

Images for kids

• 

  Map showing airports where US-bound flights diverted to.