Porter Flight Canceled After Child Refuses Seatbelt

The Porter Airlines flight had already left the gate at Victoria International Airport in British Columbia on Aug. 6 and was taxiing toward the runway when the child stood on the seat and refused to buckle up, according to the airline. The accompanying parent and cabin crew attempted to resolve the situation but were unsuccessful, prompting the crew to return the aircraft to the terminal because it could not safely take off with the child unsecured. Passengers then had to leave the aircraft while their luggage was removed.

The additional time needed to deplane passengers, remove baggage and complete the necessary procedures meant the flight could not depart before Victoria International Airport's runway closure at 12:30 a.m., Porter said. The airline canceled the flight and apologized to passengers, who were able to leave on a replacement flight the next day. The family involved has not been publicly identified.

The incident highlights the strict safety requirements that apply during an aircraft's departure. Passengers are required to remain seated and properly restrained during takeoff, and airline crews can delay or stop a departure when those conditions are not met. Porter said the cancellation resulted from the safety issue and the subsequent operational constraints at the airport, rather than from a mechanical problem with the aircraft.

Sources: Information for this report was compiled from Global News, CBC News and Fox News.