Air Canada Plane’s Wing Catches Fire During Landing at Halifax Airport

A dramatic incident unfolded at Halifax Stanfield International Airport on Saturday night when an Air Canada flight’s wing partially caught fire during a rough landing. The plane, identified as Air Canada Flight 2259 and operated by PAL Airlines, experienced landing difficulties at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time, resulting in the airport’s temporary closure.

The flight, which originated from St. John’s, reportedly skidded on the runway after a tire failed to deploy correctly. Passenger Nikki Valentine described the harrowing moments, noting that the aircraft tilted at an angle before a loud crash-like sound signaled the wing’s contact with the pavement. This contact, along with presumed engine friction, led to visible flames on one side of the plane. Smoke quickly began seeping into the cabin, adding to the chaos.

Despite the frightening situation, all passengers were safely evacuated. The airport confirmed that individuals were promptly transported to a hangar where paramedics provided medical evaluations. While the exact number of passengers on board was not disclosed, Valentine estimated the nearly full flight carried about 80 individuals in a configuration of 20 rows with two seats on either side of the aisle.

Evacuation efforts, which Valentine described as “an organized hurry,” lasted roughly two minutes. Although shaken, passengers appeared to have avoided serious injuries. Valentine praised the swift response, emphasizing the urgency as one side of the aircraft was engulfed in flames.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident as operations at the airport gradually return to normal.