On December 28, 2024, Air Canada Express Flight 2259 experienced a harrowing incident during landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport in Nova Scotia, Canada. Around 9:30 PM local time, the aircraft skidded down the runway, causing a wing to catch fire. Videos circulating on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) captured the dramatic scene.
Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick confirmed a “suspected landing gear issue” as the cause of the emergency. The plane was unable to taxi to the terminal, requiring the 73 passengers and crew to be transported by bus. Remarkably, no injuries were reported.
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As of December 29th, passengers were still awaiting the return of their belongings, pending the release of the aircraft by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Air Canada has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident.
Airport Response and Investigation
Halifax Stanfield International Airport promptly addressed the situation, confirming the brief closure of the airfield and the safe deplaning of all passengers and crew. While one of the airport’s two runways reopened shortly after the incident, some flight delays and cancellations were inevitable. The airport emphasized its commitment to safety and urged travelers to confirm their flight status before heading to the airport.
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A spokesperson for the airport confirmed the flight originated from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The airport’s Emergency Response Services team acted swiftly, ensuring the safety of everyone involved and stabilizing the aircraft. The airfield closure lasted approximately 90 minutes, leading to four flight diversions and a number of cancellations and delays. The Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident with representatives on-site.
The Nova Scotia Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other first responders also responded to the scene. All passengers and crew were evacuated safely and assessed by Emergency Health Services, with no reported injuries.
Passenger Account
Passenger Nikki Valentine, in an interview with CBC, recounted a terrifying experience. She described a potential issue with the landing gear deployment and the plane tilting at a significant angle before a loud crash-like sound indicated the wing scraping the pavement. Smoke and fire were visible from inside the cabin.
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The incident underscores the critical importance of aviation safety protocols and the rapid response of emergency services. The investigation by the Transportation Safety Board will provide further insights into the cause of the incident and contribute to preventing similar occurrences in the future.
