Operation Yellow Ribbon

Operation Yellow Ribbon is the operation Transport Canada, the Canadian transportation agency, launched on 9/11. The operation started after the FAA grounded all planes across the U.S. and diverted incoming international flights to Canada.

After learning that the FAA had closed down U.S. airspace, Transport Minister David Collenette gave orders that Canadian airports be open only for outgoing police, military, and humanitarian flights and incoming U.S.-bound international flights. This was the first time Canada had to shut down its airspace.

The first airport to receive diverted flights was CFB Goose Bay, which received 7 aircraft. Fourteen other airports received U.S.-bound international flights, including Halifax International Airport, Dorval International Airport (now Pierre Trudeau International Airport) in Montreal, Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, and Vancouver International Airport.