Air Canada flight AC2259, operated by PAL Airlines, arriving from St. John’s, Newfoundland, faced a dramatic landing at Halifax Airport, Nova Scotia, on December 28, 2024, at about 8.45 PM local time.
Landing gear issue
The flight, carrying 77 passengers, experienced a significant issue with its landing gear upon approach, leading to the aircraft skidding off the runway and partially catching fire.
Eyewitness accounts describe the plane touching down with a loud screech, followed by sparks and smoke as it veered off the tarmac.
Despite the severity of the situation, no serious injuries were reported among those onboard, primarily attributed to the pilot’s quick thinking and professional response and the swift action of emergency services. All individuals on board were safely evacuated, with the airport’s emergency protocols kicking into high gear to manage the crisis.
Flight diversions were immediately put into effect, with incoming flights being redirected to nearby airports in Moncton and Montreal. The Halifax Airport was closed for several hours for safety reasons, but one runaway has been left operational.
The airport authorities, along with Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
In a statement, Air Canada commended the crew’s handling of the emergency, emphasizing their training and preparedness. ‘We are relieved that all passengers and crew members are safe. We are working closely with the authorities to understand what led to this incident,’ said a spokesperson for Air Canada.
The incident has reignited discussions about aviation safety.
Aviation experts also recalled the 2015 Air Canada Flight 624 crash at the same airport amid snowy conditions, which injured 23 individuals.