Porter Airlines cancelled a flight from Victoria to Toronto on 6 August after a child refused to comply with seatbelt requirements while the aircraft was taxiing toward the runway. The accompanying parent and airline crew made multiple attempts to secure the child in their seat, but were ultimately unsuccessful, prompting the decision to return to the terminal and disembark both passengers.
Airline spokesperson Brad Cicero explained to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that all passengers were required to leave the aircraft because the time necessary to remove only the child and parent, along with reprocessing documentation, would have prevented takeoff before the airport’s midnight closure. He expressed regret regarding the impact on other travelers, noting they were accommodated on a flight departing the following day.
Passenger Aryeh Kozuch characterized the child’s behavior differently than typical disruption, noting the child was hiding under seats rather than acting aggressively. He stated the child appeared frightened by the confined aircraft environment and attempted to find refuge rather than causing intentional disturbance. He also said online criticism of the parents did not accurately reflect the circumstances of the situation.
Another passenger, Hillary Hertzberg, expressed frustration with the timeline, stating the process extended nearly an hour before the child finally exited the aircraft at 11:30pm. Porter Airlines confirmed all affected passengers were rebooked for travel on a subsequent flight the following day.
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