Porter Airlines was forced to cancel a flight to Toronto after a child refused to fasten their seatbelt during takeoff.
The incident occurred last Thursday, August 6, when crew members discovered that a child who was 'standing on the seat' had not fastened their seatbelt, as is required during aircraft departure.
The flight was departing from Victoria International Airport in British Columbia and heading to Toronto. The plane had already left the terminal area and was preparing for takeoff.
A source from Porter Airlines told People magazine: 'After the aircraft left the terminal and headed to the runway, the small child was standing on the seat and refusing to buckle up. Attempts by the responsible person and the crew to resolve the issue were unsuccessful.'
He added that despite all efforts, the child continued to move.
As a result, the decision was made to return the aircraft to the landing area because 'it was unsafe to take off under such conditions.'
The crew decided to return to the terminal and disembark the passengers.
The aircraft returned to the landing area, passenger baggage had to be unloaded from the cargo hold, and the flight route needed to be changed. By the time the aircraft was finally ready to continue the journey, it was too late, as Victoria International Airport closes its runway at 00:30 local time. Consequently, the flight was cancelled.
Porter Airlines apologized 'for the disruption caused to other passengers,' noting that due to this, people were able to board the next day.
The child and their family were not identified, and the minor's age is unknown.
