VICTORIA, Canada (Kashmir English): A Toronto-bound Porter Airlines flight was cancelled after a young child refused to sit in his seat and fasten the seat belt.
The Porter Airlines flight PD444 from Victoria in British Columbia to Toronto had left the terminal and was preparing for take-off when crew members saw a child standing in his seat.
Child’s parents and flight attendants tried for some time to persuade him to sit down and fasten his seat belt, but he continued to resist.
Under aviation safety rules, all passengers must remain seated and wear seat belts during take-off. The aircraft could not fly while the child remained standing.
The airline said the aircraft has had to return to the terminal because of the unsafe situation, and the family was asked to leave the aircraft.
It took considerable time to remove the family, unload their luggage and complete the necessary travel and safety procedures, according to the officials.
Alternative flights
The drama continued beyond 12.30 am, while the main runway at Victoria International Airport closes every night at 12.30 am. Resultantly, the aircraft could not depart again.
The cancellation meant that all other passengers had to spend the night in Victoria.
Porter Airlines apologises for inconvenience
The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers and booked them on alternative flights the following day.
