Flights Suspended at Halifax Airport After Emergency Incident Involving Air Canada Aircraft

Halifax Stanfield International Airport experienced significant disruptions on October 14, 2023, as all flights were temporarily suspended due to an emergency incident involving an Air Canada flight that caught fire during a crash landing. The Air Canada flight, AC 188, from Toronto to Halifax, made an emergency landing at approximately 3:35 p.m. local time after the crew reported an engine failure. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos as emergency responders quickly moved to the aircraft to extinguish the flames. Airport authorities confirmed there were no serious injuries reported among the 146 passengers and crew aboard. The airport’s emergency response team, along with local fire services, arrived promptly to handle the situation. Nova Scotia’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Steve Craig, stated, “The safety of passengers and crew is our top priority, and we are grateful for the swift action taken by first responders.” As investigations began into the cause of the incident, the airport authorities advised travelers to check their flight status and expect delays. Commercial operations resumed shortly after the incident was cleared, with safety protocols being reinforced. Travelers expressed relief that the situation did not result in casualties, with one passenger commenting, “It was a terrifying experience, but I feel fortunate to be safe.”