Evening Flight from British Columbia to Toronto Canceled Due to Toddler’s Refusal to Buckle Seat Belt

An evening flight from British Columbia to Toronto faced an unusual cancellation. Porter Airlines confirmed the cancellation occurred due to a toddler’s refusal to buckle their seat belt.

Flight Details

Porter Airlines flight 444 was set to depart Victoria International Airport at 10:30 p.m. The flight began taxiing when a flight attendant noticed the issue with the child. “A young child was standing in their seat and would not secure their seatbelt,” the airline stated. Efforts by the crew and the accompanying adult to buckle the child proved unsuccessful.

Safety Measures

The aircraft could not proceed with the flight in this situation, which led the crew to return to the terminal. Passengers had to disembark as a result. Due to the airport’s takeoff curfew of 12:30 a.m., the delay in disembarking and necessary paperwork resulted in the flight’s cancellation.

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

Passenger Impact

The delayed passengers were rebooked for a Friday flight and had to remain overnight. “We apologize for the effect this had on other passengers,” added Porter Airlines. The affected passengers finally departed on Friday.

Safety Regulations

Porter Airlines requires a child safety seat or restraint device for children under two. The child’s age in this incident remains unknown.

Brie Stimson, a writer based in Los Angeles, reported this incident for Fox News Digital.