On a sombre anniversary, Gander welcomes the ‘plane people’ back to the Rock
On the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, residents of Gander, Newfoundland, reunited with passengers who were diverted to the town during the 2001 airspace closure. The event commemorates the community's historical act of hospitality toward thousands of stranded travelers.
Why it matters
The story serves as a poignant reminder of human kindness during global crises and highlights the lasting bonds formed during the 9/11 emergency response.
Retired air traffic controller Patrick Woodford stood behind a metal gate and eagerly scanned the arrivals hall of the Gander International Airport.
He noticed how much busier it was this week than usual. Dozens of people were milling around the airport’s one baggage carousel and waiting near its two car rental counters.
Finally, he spotted the passenger he was waiting for and raised an arm. Beverley Bass, a petite woman with a short platinum haircut, strode headlong into his arms. “How’s everything?” he said, squeezing his friend in a tight embrace. “How’s everything?”
Mr. Woodford was an air-traffic controller on Sept. 11, 2001, when Ms. Bass had to pilot her Boeing 777 to Gander.
The two had first forged a connection 25 years ago, here at the same airport, under horrifying circumstances.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in