Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor arrive in Canada after 1,020 days in Chinese detention

A flight carrying Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, the two Canadians held in captivity by Chinese authorities for nearly three years, landed safely on Canadian soil early Saturday morning following the return of Huawei senior executive Meng Wanzhou to China.

The pair landed on the tarmac of Calgary's International Airport around 5:40 a.m. local time (7:40 a.m. ET), where they were greeted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Affairs Minister Marc Garneau.

They had been accompanied from China by Canada's China Ambassador, Dominic Barton, who arrived with Kovrig and Spavor in a Royal Canadian Air Force Challenger jet from Anchorage, Alaska, according to reports.

A CTV video shows Trudeau hugging the pair as they walk onto the tarmac.

Spavor will stay in Calgary, where he lives, while Kovrig is expected to arrive in Toronto early Saturday afternoon, a Canadian official said.

Trudeau flew to Calgary late Friday night after a hastily organized press conference announcing the pair's release. Spavor and Kovrig were released by China just hours after Meng cut a deal with U.S. prosecutors who dropped an extradition warrant and allowed Canada to release her.

The unexpected news put an end to an almost-three year chasm that deeply fractured Canada's relationship with China.

Meng arrived on the tarmac of Shenzen Airport in China around 10 p.m. local time (10 a.m. ET) accompanied by China's Ambassador to Canada Cong Peiwu and greeted by a crowd of flag-waiving citizens.

Holding a bouquet of roses from her husband, she gave a speech to the crowd thanking her family and the Chinese government for securing her release.

In Canada, the Michaels were welcomed to a flurry of celebration from politicians, friends and family.

None of this was expected, but there's no better news than this," Ariana Botha, Kovrig's sister, told reporters at Pearson Airport. We're shocked - but it's the right kind of shocked."

Botha said she received a video call from Kovrig late Friday night - the first time she seen his face in three years.

I didn't know who was calling, and it was a good thing I answered," she said. It was amazing to see his face. He's a little pale. But it was really good."

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are now home - they, as well as their families, have shown incredible strength, bravery and resilience," wrote Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland on Twitter shortly after the pair's arrival.

Kovrig's employer, the International Crisis Group, released a statement thanking the many people who have worked tirelessly in support of Michael."

We would like to extend our deep appreciation and admiration for Vina Nadjibulla, Michael's wife, and Michael's other family members for their brave and unstinting pursuit of his freedom," the statement read.

Over more than two and a half years in jail, Michael has confronted tragedy with fortitude and humanity. Despite suffering injustice and hardship, he has stayed strong and positive. He maintained throughout his confinement his grace and humour, as well as a vigorous exercise routine and voracious appetite for reading and discovery."

Dan Vroon, an old friend of Spavor's, told the Star their release is a testament to the intimate connection between Meng's extradition charges and the fate of the Michaels.

The Chinese government detained the pair shortly after Meng was arrested in Canada, but insisted they were held on charges of espionage. In March, they were put on trial in part of a process that Canada and several of its allies called arbitrary and unfair.

I just think it's fantastic they're finally home," said Vroon.

Vina Nadjibulla, Kovrig's wife, told the Star it's going to be a long road to comprehension and recovery" for her husband.

The Canadians were kept in Chinese prisons with the lights on 24 hours a day.

He just wants to see trees and sunlight and get close to nature right now," she said. He hasn't seen a tree in nearly three years."

More to come.

With files from Lex Harvey and Joshua Chong

Tonda MacCharles is an Ottawa-based reporter covering federal politics for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @tondamacc

Jacob Lorinc is a Toronto-based reporter covering business for the Star. Reach him via email: jlorinc@thestar.ca