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Plane passengers stranded as flight cancelled because 'child wouldn't sit down'

A Porter Airlines flight from Victoria to Toronto was cancelled after a young child was unable to comply with seatbelt safety requirements, leaving more than 100 passengers stranded

[Many passengers are now demanding Porter Airlines offer compensation for their expenses]

Many passengers are now demanding Porter Airlines offer compensation for their expenses(Image: Getty)

A flight likely carrying more than 100 people was scrapped after a child refused to sit down and fasten their seatbelt.

The Porter Airlines jet had departed the terminal at Victoria International Airport in British Columbia, Canada, and was making its way to the runway to take off for Toronto. Nevertheless, according to the airline, a parent and cabin crew had repeatedly attempted to secure the child in their seat without success.

The aircraft was therefore compelled to return to the gate so the child and their parent could be ejected, along with their baggage. However, all remaining passengers were also forced to disembark while the flight plans were refiled and other paperwork was completed.

[The flight was forced to return to the gate after the child refused to fasten their seatbelt]

The flight was forced to return to the gate after the child refused to fasten their seatbelt(Image: Getty)

This pushed the flight beyond Victoria's runway closure time at 12.30am, leaving passengers marooned in British Columbia for the night.

In a statement, Porter Airlines said the young child had been "standing in their seat" - creating dangerous conditions for take-off. It is not known how old the child was, nor how many passengers were aboard the 132-seat aircraft at the time.

The airline apologised to the passengers who were inconvenienced on Thursday (August 6) and confirmed they were rebooked on a different flight the following day. Passengers on the service told Canadian broadcaster CBC that there was "a lot of frustration", reports the Express.

According to Aryeh Kozuch, who was travelling on the aircraft, the youngster was frightened: "They just kept hiding under their seat. If they got forced into being strapped in, they just kind of slid out underneath."

Fellow passenger Hillary Hertzberg said "it took forever" for the duo to get off the plane and slammed the airline's communication following the flight's cancellation, as some passengers were left frantically trying to secure accommodation at a nearby hotel.

Many are now calling on the airline to provide compensation for their costs.

Porter Airlines is Canada's third-largest scheduled carrier, renowned for delivering a polished, all-economy and enhanced regional experience featuring no middle seats, complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, and rapid free Wi-Fi on its aircraft.

All planes boast a two-by-two or two-by-one configuration, ensuring every passenger enjoys either an aisle or window seat.

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