Porter Flight Cancelled After Child Refuses Seatbelt for Takeoff

A Porter Airlines flight bound for Toronto was cancelled after a young child refused to wear a seatbelt, forcing the aircraft to return to the gate. The incident occurred on August 6 as the plane was taxiing toward the runway.

Despite attempts by the parent and flight crew to resolve the situation, the child remained unbuckled. The airline stated that the aircraft could not take off under these unsafe conditions, leading the crew to return to the terminal and disembark all passengers and their baggage.

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The aircraft could not take off in this unsafe condition, so the crew elected to return to the terminal and have the passengers disembark.

The delay caused by returning to the terminal and refiling the flight plan meant the flight could not depart before Victoria International Airport's runway closed at 12:30 a.m. Consequently, the flight was cancelled.

Porter Airlines apologized to the affected passengers, who were accommodated on a flight the following day. The airline emphasized its commitment to safety, which necessitates adherence to seatbelt regulations during critical flight phases.

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We apologize for the effect this had on other passengers, who were able to depart on a flight the following day.