Flights Temporarily Suspended at Halifax Airport After Air Canada Landing Incident

An Air Canada Express flight, operated by PAL Airlines, experienced a landing incident at Halifax Stanfield International Airport on Saturday night, causing temporary suspension of flight operations. The incident has sparked concerns, though no major injuries were reported.

Details of the Incident

• Date and Time:
  The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on December 28, 2024, as the aircraft arrived from St. John’s, Newfoundland.
• Aircraft and Passengers:
  • The flight was Air Canada Express Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines.
  • It was carrying 73 passengers and crew members.
  • Passengers were evacuated using buses as the plane was unable to reach the terminal.
• Landing Issue:
  The aircraft experienced a suspected landing gear malfunction, leading to a skid on the runway. Part of the plane caught fire, as captured in dramatic video footage shared by passengers.

Passenger Accounts

Passenger Nikki Valentine, in an interview with CBC News, described the terrifying moment:
“The plane shook quite a bit, and we started seeing fire on the left side of the plane with smoke coming in through the windows.”

Videos from onboard showed flames erupting from the aircraft’s wing as it scraped the runway, highlighting the severity of the malfunction.

Response and Safety Measures

• Emergency Response:
  • Paramedics and officers from the Nova Scotia Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were on the scene.
  • Minor injuries were reported by the RCMP despite no major casualties being declared.
• Operational Disruptions:
  • All flights were suspended temporarily, and incoming flights were diverted to Moncton and Montreal.
  • One runway has since reopened, allowing regular operations to resume.

Airport and Airline Statements

• Air Canada:
  Spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick confirmed the landing gear issue, stating that no serious injuries occurred.
• Halifax Airport:
  Officials announced that the cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Broader Context: A Week of Aviation Incidents

This event follows a series of aviation accidents worldwide, including a deadly plane crash in South Korea hours earlier that resulted in 179 fatalities.

Takeaway for Travelers

While such incidents are rare, they underscore the importance of:

1. Following safety briefings during flights.
2. Staying calm during emergencies to ensure orderly evacuations.
3. Monitoring travel updates during operational disruptions.

For the latest updates on Halifax Airport operations and the investigation into this incident, stay tuned to official sources.