Questions Arise Over Halifax Airport's Response to Fiery Landing Incident
Recently, a fiery landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport has brought the airport’s emergency response measures into sharp focus. On December 28, 2024, an Air Canada Express flight, operated by PAL Airlines, experienced a dramatic landing that left 73 passengers and four crew members shaken. The De Havilland Dash 8 plane suffered a blown tire during takeoff from St. John’s International Airport. This led to landing gear failure upon arrival in Halifax, causing the left propeller to strike the runway and ignite a fire in the engine.
While the incident itself was alarming, passengers have voiced serious concerns about how the aftermath was managed. Steve Mahar, one of the passengers, described the harrowing moments after evacuation. He and others had to jump down approximately four-and-a-half feet from the aircraft because no emergency platform was available. To make matters worse, they were left standing on the freezing tarmac for an hour without adequate assistance. Mahar recalled seeing elderly passengers and children shivering in the cold without blankets or any semblance of comfort provided.
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Eventually, two shuttle buses arrived to transport passengers to a hangar, but the delay and lack of immediate support have sparked criticism. Advocates for Safer Airports in Canada are now calling for a comprehensive review of the airport’s emergency response plan. Chris Bussey, chair of the advocacy group, has pointed out systemic issues in Canada’s aviation safety standards. He emphasized the lack of consistent oversight in airport emergency planning, asserting that current regulations fall short of international benchmarks.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has attributed the incident to a blown tire, which triggered a series of mechanical failures during landing. However, the advocacy group insists that the investigation should extend beyond technical faults to assess the effectiveness of the emergency protocols in place.
The incident has also caught the attention of a Halifax law firm, Wagners, which is evaluating the possibility of a class-action lawsuit on behalf of affected passengers. Meanwhile, Halifax Stanfield International Airport has declined to comment on the situation, further fueling public scrutiny.
This incident raises critical questions about passenger safety and preparedness at Canadian airports. It serves as a stark reminder that, beyond preventing mechanical failures, robust and humane emergency responses are essential for ensuring travelers’ safety and dignity.
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