Porter Airlines cancelled Flight PD444 from Victoria International Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after a child on board refused to remain seated and buckled during taxiing for departure.
Incident and Crew Response
While taxiing toward the runway, cabin crew noticed the toddler standing on their seat rather than securely buckled as required by federal aviation safety rules. The flight crew and the child’s parent made multiple attempts to have the child remain seated and properly restrained but were unsuccessful. Due to the safety risk, the aircraft returned to the terminal to allow the child and parent to disembark.
Delay and Curfew Impact
The time taken for the child to leave the plane delayed the departure past the 12:30 a.m. overnight operating curfew enforced at Victoria International Airport, which restricts flight activity to minimize noise in surrounding areas. This curfew prevented the flight from departing that night, leading to the cancellation of Flight PD444.
Passenger Impact and Flight Resumption
Passengers remained seated on the grounded aircraft for nearly an hour before the child disembarked around 11:30 p.m. Stranded overnight at Victoria, they had to arrange their own accommodations. The flight resumed the following morning, departing approximately twelve hours later than originally scheduled and continuing nonstop to Toronto Pearson
International Airport.
Airline Statements and Policies
Porter Airlines confirmed the child’s refusal to comply with seatbelt requirements posed a genuine safety concern, leaving no viable alternatives but to cancel the flight. The airline apologized for the disruption and stated that cabin crew adhered to standard safety protocols throughout. Under its policies, Porter Airlines follows federal regulations concerning treatment of passengers during delays and cancellations, which may include meal vouchers depending on circumstances. The airline did not confirm any compensation offered to affected travelers.
Industry Context on Child Seatbelt Compliance and Curfews
Federal aviation regulations mandate that all passengers, regardless of age, be seated and secured before aircraft departure. Airlines commonly face challenges
when young children resist wearing seatbelts, creating safety and operational difficulties. Additionally, airports like Victoria International enforce strict overnight curfews, which can cause cancellations if delays push departures past cutoff times, as seen in this incident involving Flight PD444.
