Porter Airlines cancelled Flight PD444 on August 6, 2026, from Victoria International Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport after a toddler refused to remain seated and fasten their seatbelt. The plane had already left the gate and was taxiing to the runway when the refusal was noticed, prompting the captain to return the aircraft to the gate due to safety concerns.
Crew members and the child’s parent made multiple attempts to secure the toddler’s seatbelt, but were unsuccessful. The child stood on the seat during the taxi, violating federal aviation safety regulations that mandate all passengers be properly restrained before
takeoff. This delay extended into the late evening, with the child finally disembarking around 11:30 p.m. after passengers had been on the grounded plane for nearly an hour. Victoria International Airport enforces an overnight curfew starting at 12:30 a.m., restricting flight departures beyond that time.
The extended delay caused Flight PD444 to miss the airport’s curfew limit, forcing Porter Airlines to cancel the scheduled departure for the night. Passengers were left stranded overnight in Victoria and had to find accommodations on their own. The airline rescheduled the flight for the following morning, departing approximately twelve hours later than planned for
Toronto.
Porter Airlines confirmed that the child’s refusal to stay seated and belted posed a genuine safety hazard, leaving the crew no viable alternative but to abort the departure. The airline apologized to passengers for the disruption and stated its cabin crew followed standard safety procedures throughout the incident.
Some passengers criticized the airline’s communication during the delay and cancellation process. A passenger noted that the lengthy wait on board before the child was removed was a source of frustration. Furthermore, travelers expressed dissatisfaction with having to arrange overnight stays independently, with some seeking compensation for the unexpected expenses. The
airline has not disclosed whether any compensation beyond rebooking was provided.
Federal aviation rules require proper use of seatbelts for all passengers, including children, to ensure safety during flight. Incidents of young children refusing restraints can significantly disrupt operations. Airports like Victoria International enforce strict overnight noise curfews that can convert minor delays into full cancellations if departures are delayed past curfew hours.
This incident is isolated to Flight PD444 on August 6, 2026, with no indication of broader cancellations affecting other Porter Airlines services on the Victoria to Toronto route or elsewhere.
