Air Canada Plane Veers Off Runway After Landing at Montreal Airport, No Injuries Reported
Officials at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport warned passengers of operational delays Thursday evening after an incident involving an Air Canada aircraft led to a temporary runway closure.
The incident happened after an Air Canada flight arriving from Los Angeles left the taxiway following its landing.
Air Canada Flight Exits Taxiway After Landing
In a statement to CBC, Air Canada said Flight AC774 arrived from Los Angeles at around 4 p.m.
The airline said there were no reported injuries.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737 Max, was carrying 156 passengers and six crew members.
Air Canada said the plane landed normally but experienced a runway excursion while leaving the main runway and travelled through the grass.
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Passengers Taken to Terminal by Bus
By 7:45 p.m., Air Canada confirmed that all passengers and crew had safely left the aircraft.
They were transported to the terminal by buses.
The airline said the plane would be towed to a hangar for a full inspection.
Passenger Describes Frightening Experience
Passenger Barbara Edelston Peterson told CBC’s Ian Hanomansing during a live interview from the airport that she was still shaken by what happened.
She said heavy rain was falling at the time and she sensed something was wrong as soon as the plane touched the runway.
According to Edelston Peterson, the aircraft was moving very fast before passengers smelled smoke and the plane went onto the grass.
She said smoke, dirt and grass were visible outside her window, blocking her view.
Passengers Waited for Hours
Edelston Peterson said the moments after the incident were frightening because passengers did not know whether the plane could catch fire or explode.
She said passengers remained on board for about three hours before they were able to get off.
Despite the fear, she praised the crew, describing their response as professional and calm.
Air Canada Launches Investigation
Air Canada said it will conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.
The airline also said it will work with the appropriate authorities to determine what caused the runway excursion.
Airport Delays Reported
A spokesperson for Montreal-Trudeau airport said the runway closure affected one of the airport’s two runways.
The closure caused delays of about 30 minutes for domestic and international flights.
Flights to the United States faced longer delays, ranging from around 45 minutes to one hour.
No flights were cancelled because of the incident.
Runway Reopens Before 10 p.m.
The runway reopened shortly before 10 p.m.
However, passengers were advised to check their flight schedules before travelling to the airport because delays could continue.
Nav Canada Implements Traffic Measures
Nav Canada, the non-profit organization that manages Canada’s civil air navigation system, said it introduced traffic management measures at the airport.
These included a temporary ground stop followed by flow restrictions.
Nav Canada said the measures were needed to safely manage arrivals and departures.
The agency also said weather in the Montreal region was adding to operational challenges and delays.
Transportation Safety Board Opens Probe
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed that it has started an investigation.
A spokesperson said investigators are being sent to the scene to collect information and assess the accident.
The Air Canada incident at Montreal-Trudeau Airport caused significant delays but no reported injuries. Flight AC774 landed from Los Angeles before leaving the runway area and travelling through grass in rainy conditions. With the runway later reopened, Air Canada and the Transportation Safety Board are now investigating what caused the incident.
