{
  "id": 6259673,
  "title": "‘The world was changing before my eyes’: Airline execs recall how they navigated 9/11",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/the-world-was-changing-before-my-eyes-airline-execs-recall-how-they-6259673",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T08:00:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CityNews",
    "slug": "citynews",
    "url": "https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/09/08/the-world-was-changing-before-my-eyes-airline-execs-recall-how-they-navigated-9-11/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Airline executives recount navigating the aftermath of 9/11, a transformative period for the aviation industry. Calin Rovinescu, who would later become CEO of Air Canada, was in Barcelona on a wedding anniversary when he learned of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City. He and his assistant raced to an emergency meeting of executives, recounting a surreal experience as the world changed before their eyes. Robert Milton, Air Canada's then-chief executive, flew back to Canada from London after a brief layover, the only executives able to do so thanks to special government clearance.\n\nWith all 300-plus planes grounded, the industry faced an unprecedented challenge. Marie-Hélène Lévesque, a special assistant to the transport minister at the time, drove from Montreal to Ottawa, where they made critical decisions in a minivan. Canadian Prime Minister David Collenette greenlit the closure of Canada's airspace minutes after the Pentagon attack, marking the first time either country had taken such a measure. Over 270 planes were ordered to turn back to Europe, along with 224 diverted flights carrying 33,000 passengers to 17 Canadian airports. The town of Gander, Newfoundland, took in 38 planes and 6,500 stranded travellers, earning the nickname \"Come From Away.\"\n\nThe closure of airspace and grounded aircraft had a profound impact on the aviation sector. Air Canada lost billions of dollars, cutting 6,600 jobs and posting a $1.25-billion loss in 2001. Canadian carriers received minimal financial aid compared to their US counterparts, who received billions of dollars in grants and loan guarantees. The attacks also led to a restructuring of the industry, with many airlines facing bankruptcy or restructuring. Air Canada, the country's second-largest airline, was forced to cut costs, eliminate debt, and focus on international routes.",
  "summary": "MONTREAL — Calin Rovinescu was strolling through an art museum in Barcelona on a wedding anniversary getaway when he heard the news.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "‘The world was changing before my eyes’: Airline execs recall how they navigated 9/11",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/the-world-was-changing-before-my-eyes-airline-execs-recall-how-they",
        "published": "2026-09-08T08:00:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}