started · updated
Porter Airlines flight canceled after toddler refuses to buckle seatbelt
A Porter Airlines flight from Victoria, British Columbia, to Toronto was canceled after a toddler refused to sit in their seat and fasten their seatbelt. The aircraft had already departed the terminal and was taxiing toward the runway when crew members noticed the child standing on their seat.
Despite repeated attempts by the flight crew and the child's parent to secure the toddler, the safety requirement could not be met. The crew elected to return the aircraft to the terminal to allow the family and their luggage to disembark. This process, combined with the time required for new flight documentation, caused the delay to extend past the 12:30 a.m. runway curfew at Victoria International Airport.
As a result, the flight was canceled, leaving approximately 132 passengers stranded overnight in Victoria. Porter Airlines apologized for the disruption and rebooked the passengers on a flight the following day. Some passengers reported that the child appeared frightened rather than defiant, noting the child repeatedly tried to hide under the seats.
Entities
British Columbia · Porter Airlines · Toronto · Transport Canada · Victoria International Airport