An Air Canada Express flight had a harrowing experience Saturday night at Halifax Stanfield International Airport when it skidded off the runway and caught fire upon landing. The incident, which began at around 9:30 p.m. on December 28, 2024, involved Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines, and was carrying 73 passengers from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
The plane encountered what Air Canada called a "suspected landing gear issue." During the landing, the aircraft skidded, creating significant panic among passengers onboard. Nikki Valentine, one of the travelers, described the alarming moments to CBC News. "The plane shook quite a bit and we started seeing fire on the left side of the plane and smoke started coming in the windows," she recalled, adding drama to the situation as flames erupted from the aircraft’s wing.
The response from the airport was swift, leading to the temporary closure of operations for about 90 minutes following the incident. Emergency services, including the Nova Scotia RCMP and paramedics, were quick to arrive on the scene to assist the passengers after the plane was safely evacuated. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported, with only minor incidents noted.
While the aircraft remained on the runway, passengers were taken by bus from the aircraft to the terminal area. Fitzpatrick stated, "We appreciate this incident was unsettling for customers and we remain available to assist them." Such reassurances come as passengers awaited the release of their belongings from the aircraft, which remained on the airfield as the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) commenced its investigation.
Witness accounts painted a vivid picture of the incident. Another passenger recounted, "The plane started to sit at about a 20-degree angle to the left and, as it happened, we heard a pretty loud crash sound as the wing of the plane started to skid along the pavement." Eyewitness reports confirm the turbulence and danger perceived during the failed landing, signaling how tense those moments were
Both the airport and Air Canada have emphasized their cooperation with the TSB during this investigation, ensuring all proper procedures would be observed. With airlines and airport officials currently assessing safety measures, operations resumed the following day with cautionary measures still enacted, as one runway remained closed for thorough reviews.
This incident has not occurred in isolation of recent alarming aviation matters worldwide. Just hours before the Halifax fire, another passenger plane had experienced catastrophic landing issues, resulting in 179 fatalities, marking one of South Korea's worst aviation disasters. Coupled with this recent string of aviation anomalies, the stakes for air travel safety have heightened substantially.
Travelers planning to use Halifax Airport following the incident were urged to remain vigilant, checking with their airlines for updated flight statuses. Air Canada has continued to stress passenger safety and has offered assistance to those affected.
The detailed investigation by the TSB is expected to provide clarity on the causes behind this attempt and the underlying mechanical failures. Officials have refrained from speculating until all data is collected. The aviation community is on alert as inquiries deepen, addressing the broader implications of such incidents on air travel safety.
While the immediate fear for passengers was alleviated, the event aches as a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel. Concerns linger not only over safety measures but the psychological impact on those who endured the ordeal, raising questions about the responses and protocols for future flights.