On the night of December 28, 2024, Halifax Stanfield International Airport faced temporary closure due to an emergency landing incident involving Air Canada Express Flight 2259, operated by PAL Airlines. The aircraft, which had departed from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, experienced significant issues with its landing gear upon arrival, leading to dramatic moments on the tarmac.
The flight, carrying approximately 73 to 80 passengers, began its descent around 9:30 p.m. AT. According to eyewitness accounts, one of the plane's tires failed to deploy correctly during landing. "The plane started to sit at about a 20-degree angle to the left, and, as it happened, we heard what sounded like a crash as the wing began to skid along the pavement," passenger Nikki Valentine told CBC News.
Passengers reported feeling the plane shake and seeing fire emerge from the left side of the aircraft as it skidded down the runway. Valetine described the scene: "We started seeing fire on the left side of the plane and smoke started coming in the windows." Fortunately, all passengers on board were safely evacuated, but not without experiencing moments of fear and uncertainty.
First responders quickly arrived at the scene, as Halifax Fire crews—including agencies from Bedford, Sackville, Goffs, and the airport fire department—responded to the emergency. Airport officials confirmed the aircraft rested on the runway, leading to immediate safety measures. "We took everyone off the plane as soon as we could," said Valentine, acknowledging the urgency to evacuate. She remarked on the efficiency of the exit, saying, "It took up to two minutes to get everyone off the plane, but it was organized under the circumstances."">
The airport confirmed the incident led to the evacuation of all passengers, who were then transported to nearby hangars to be checked by paramedics. While the exact number of passengers was not officially disclosed, estimates indicated about 77 to 80 people were on board. Reports suggest no serious injuries were recorded, though numerous evacuees were visibly shaken by the incident.
Transportation safety officials were on the case, launching inquiries to ascertain the details and cause of the malfunction. Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick noted the disturbance was due to "suspected landing gear issues." The runway was temporarily shut down to facilitate emergency response operations.
Following the incident, some flights were delayed as the airport worked to clear the scene and resume regular operations. An airport statement assured travelers, “Our airfield was closed briefly this evening, but one of our runways has now been cleared to resume regular operations.”
Many passengers expressed relief at their safe evacuation, recalling the harrowing moments during the landing. Valentine described the chaos: "Everyone was pretty much in a hurry to get off— but it was organized. It was terrifying to see fire and smoke engulfing the windows. After the initial shock, we were just relieved to get off safely."">
Videos circulated on social media showing the aircraft on the runway with fire and smoke visible. Emergency services depicted the swift response as the fire crews managed the situation. The Dash-8 aircraft involved, registered C-GPNA, is noted to be 24 years old, having previously operated with Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines before joining PAL Airlines earlier this year.
Following this accident, the airport assures passengers and staff of their commitment to safety. They will continue to provide updates as investigations proceed. Authorities aim to determine the root cause of the landing gear malfunction so as to prevent future incidents.
Passengers offered praise for the flight crew's actions during the episode. One passenger remarked on the professionalism and calm demeanor of the pilots as they navigated the emergency landing procedures. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability inherent to air travel, especially when mechanical failures occur unexpectedly on approach.
Developments surrounding this incident, including detailed investigations and passenger feedback, will be closely monitored and reported. What remains clear is the resilience of emergency responders and flight crews, who acted diligently to safeguard lives following the unsettling event at Halifax Airport.
