Canada flight cancelled after child refuses seat belt
The Porter Airlines flight bound for Toronto from Victoria was forced to return to the terminal on 6 August after a young passenger refused to strap in, leaving crew unable to ensure the flight’s safety.
With the runway closed after midnight, passengers were re‑booked for the following day. The airline said attempts by the accompanying parent and crew to address the issue were unsuccessful.
Expert Lia Tuso explained to BBC that an unrestrained child can become a projectile during turbulence, a risk that prompted the crew’s decision to cancel takeoff and protect all passengers.
The debate around the incident split online, with some commentators accusing parents of being too “gentle,” while others noted the child’s apparent fear of flying and argued that the flight’s delay was excessive.
Historical precedents exist: a 2018 Southwest Airlines incident saw a father and daughter removed after a prolonged tantrum, and earlier 2012 cases led to public criticism of airline policies for lacking humanity.
Reporting by Max Matza, updated by Sakshi Venkatraman
