Operation Yellow Ribbon (In Progress)
“Map showing airports where US-bound flights diverted to on September 11th 2001” by Redgeographics under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Operation Yellow Ribbon was a humanitarian mission that took place in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. It was conducted by Canada in response to the grounding of all civilian aircraft in the United States and the subsequent diversion of inbound international flights.
On September 11, 2001, after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a temporary grounding of all civilian aircraft in the United States. This left numerous aircraft en route to the U.S. from various international locations unable to land in American airspace.
Canada, being the nearest neighboring country to the U.S., played a crucial role in assisting these stranded flights. Over 200 planes, carrying around 33,000 passengers and thousands of crew members, were diverted to Canadian airports. These airports included Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Gander International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport, among others.
Operation Yellow Ribbon saw Canadians open their homes and communities to these stranded travelers, providing them with food, shelter, and support. The operation demonstrated a remarkable display of hospitality and solidarity during a time of crisis.
As a result, Canada played a significant role in ensuring the well-being of thousands of people who were affected by the events of September 11. This operation strengthened the longstanding friendship between Canada and the United States, as it showcased the close ties between the two nations during a critical moment in history.
Written with ChatGPT on TBD.