The plane was flying to Mexico from Canada, according to reports
Justin Trudeau responds to a viral video of aircraft passengers wearing no masks by calling them "idiots"
As Covid-19 spreads around the world, a social media firestorm has erupted after a video of a maskless mob celebrating on a chartered jet went viral. The plane was flying to Mexico from Canada, according to reports, and several of the passengers were cast members from Quebec reality television shows.
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, also chastised passengers who were observed singing and dancing in the aisles and on seats while in close proximity to one another. They're also not hiding their faces behind masks.
Trudeau referred to them as "idiots," calling it a "slap in the face" to those who sought to stay safe throughout the outbreak. He also stated that the Canadian airline regulator has begun an investigation into the situation. On Wednesday, Trudeau said, "It's a slap in the face to see people putting themselves, their fellow citizens, and airline workers in risk by being completely irresponsible."
He further said, “This is a situation Transport Canada takes extremely seriously and we are following up.”
Trudeau went on to say that, "like other Canadians," he is "extremely frustrated" by the video.
A large bottle of alcoholic beverage is also circulated among the passengers in the video. On the plane, a woman looks to be smoking an electronic cigarette.
Passengers who disobeyed Transport Canada's restrictions might face fines of up to $5,000 Canadian (US$3,938) per infraction, according to the airline.
Meanwhile, three airlines refused to fly them back to Canada, including the one that chartered the flight and Air Canada.
Sunwing Airlines has canceled the scheduled return charter flight from Cancun for Wednesday, and Air Transat and Air Canada have both stated that they will not transport the passengers.
The passengers are now sleeping in a hotel in Cancun, according to a story from The Guardian.