On Air Now

Monday Drivetime

3:00pm - 6:00pm

Now Playing

Kylie Minogue

Tears On My Pillow

Flight cancelled as child refuses to sit down and fasten seatbelt

A flight in Canada has been cancelled after a child refused to sit down and fasten their seatbelt.

The Porter Airlines service had left the terminal at Victoria International Airport in British Columbia and was heading for the runway.

According to the airline, a parent and cabin crew had repeatedly tried to secure the child in their seat to no success.

The plane was forced to return to the gate so the parent and child could be removed along with their luggage.

Remaining passengers also had to disembark while flight plans were refiled and other paperwork was completed.

However, this delayed the Toronto-bound flight beyond the runway's closure time at 12.30am, leaving passengers stranded in British Columbia for the night.

In a statement, Porter Airlines said the young child had been "standing in their seat" - creating unsafe conditions for take-off.

It is unclear how old the child was, nor how many passengers were on board the 132-seat plane at the time.

The airline apologised to the passengers who were inconvenienced on Thursday - and confirmed they were rebooked on a different flight the following day.

Passengers on board the service told Canadian broadcaster CBC that there was "a lot of frustration".

One of them, Aryeh Kozuch, said the child wasn't being bratty or uncomfortable, but was scared.

He said: "They just kept hiding under their seat. If they got forced into being strapped in, they just kind of slid out underneath."

Read more from Sky News:
Thames Water risks fresh storm over £1m payment
Suspected crime boss appears in court after extradition

Another passenger, Hillary Hertzberg, said "it took forever" for the parent and child to disembark, and criticised the airline's communication after the flight was cancelled.

Some were left scrambling to try and find a room at a nearby hotel, and now want the airline to offer compensation for their expenses.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Flight cancelled as child refuses to sit down and fasten seatbelt

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from World

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • Monday Drivetime

    3:00pm - 6:00pm

    with Alexandra and James getting you home on your favourite Drivetime station.

  • Retro City

    6:00pm - 8:00pm

    Steven Cummiskey spends some time in Retro City, where we take you back to the good old days. Playing a variety of music, with some gems and obscurities. We also focus on what happens on this day, with number ones, birthday and TV shows airing.

  • Music Mix

    8:00pm - 10:00pm

    Roch Valley Radio is with you 24/7 with our great mix of music!

  • Monday Gospel

    10:00pm - Midnight

    with Mary Walsh bring you a wide-ranging gospel music from all over the world.

  • After Hours

    Midnight - 2:00am

    For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.

  • Wide Awake Club

    2:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.