A Porter Airlines flight from British Columbia to Toronto was canceled this week after a toddler refused to fasten a seatbelt, according to Fox News. Flight 444 was taxiing at Victoria International Airport when cabin crew noticed the child standing on a seat, creating a safety hazard that ultimately forced the aircraft back to the terminal.
Flight 444 Canceled After Runway Return
The scheduled evening departure was disrupted when a young passenger stood upright on a seat and refused to buckle up, Porter Airlines stated. Neither the accompanying adult nor the flight attendants could persuade the child to secure the safety belt while the aircraft moved toward the runway.
According to the carrier, the plane could not take off under those unsafe conditions. The flight crew made the decision to return to the gate so the passengers could deplane.
Airport Curfew Triggers Full Flight Cancellation
Logistical hurdles quickly compounded the delay following the gate return. Victoria International Airport enforces a strict evening curfew for departures at 12:30 a.m.
Porter Airlines reported that removing the passengers, their luggage, and completing the necessary administrative procedures consumed too much time. Because the curfew arrived before the aircraft could clear for a second departure, the flight was canceled outright.
Impact on Passengers and Rebooking Plans
The cancellation left dozens of travelers stranded overnight. Porter Airlines confirmed that the affected passengers were accommodated with overnight arrangements and rebooked for flights departing on Friday.
Did you know?
Airlines are bound by strict aviation safety regulations that require every passenger—regardless of age—to be properly secured during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
“We apologize for the inconvenience that this caused to the other passengers,” Porter Airlines stated in an official release addressing the disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Porter Airlines flight cancellation?
A toddler refused to wear a seatbelt while the plane was taxiing, forcing the crew to return to the terminal.
Why didn’t the plane take off after returning to the gate?
Deplaning the passengers and handling luggage consumed enough time to run into the airport’s 12:30 a.m. departure curfew.
When were the affected passengers rescheduled to fly?
Travelers were provided overnight lodging and rebooked for flights on Friday, according to the airline.
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