TORONTO- An Air Canada (AC) flight scheduled for a three-hour journey from Toronto (YYZ) to St.John’s (YYT) on Monday ended up spending nearly seven hours in the air, ultimately returning to its departure point.
Flight AC698 took off from Toronto at 9:43 p.m. on Monday, a departure that was two minutes ahead of schedule, according to FlightAware, an organization specializing in flight tracking data. However, complications arose during the approach to St.Johns, which, like much of Eastern Canada, was grappling with severe weather conditions.
Air Canada Flight Failed to Land
Flight data reveals the Boeing 737 MAX 8, having registration C-GEKH, descended to approximately 600 meters in preparation for landing, executed a loop for a second attempt, and briefly entered a holding pattern.
After a third unsuccessful landing attempt, the aircraft ascended and returned to Toronto, touching down at 4:20 a.m and without having reached its intended destination.
As reported by blogTO, Air Canada explained that strong crosswinds made it unsafe for the flight to land. The airline stated, “Due to the severe winter weather affecting other airports in the region and the time of day, returning to Toronto was the best option.”
Expert Opinion and Similar Incident
Eddie Sheerr, a meteorologist at NTV News in St. John’s, expressed his sympathy for the passengers on Twitter: “To those of you on the flight, my heart goes out to you as I know what that’s like. But please keep in mind that any choice made in the flight deck has your safety in mind.”
He further added, “The weather will be better tomorrow, and flights should get back on track.”
The inclement weather led to numerous air traffic delays, diversions, and cancellations. On the same night, a WestJet (WS) flight from Calgary to St. John’s made an unexpected right turn over northern Quebec to also land in Toronto.
Although this flight was only 40 minutes late, its passengers found themselves somewhat closer to their intended destination.
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