On Wednesday, a Flair Airlines Boeing 737 Max jet, operating as Flight 1101 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, experienced an unexpected disruption during its final approach to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport. As the aircraft prepared to land, a private Bombardier Challenger 3500 corporate jet, registered in Mexico, remained unexpectedly on the runway. This prompted air traffic control to instruct the Flair Airlines flight crew to execute a “go-around” procedure, a standard maneuver in such situations. The Flair 737 aborted its landing, increasing speed and altitude to circle the airport while the Challenger jet vacated the runway. Subsequently, Flight 1101 landed safely without further incident.
This event, while potentially unsettling for passengers, unfolded just hours before a tragic mid-air collision at Reagan Washington National Airport, where a military helicopter struck an American Airlines regional jet, resulting in 67 fatalities. The juxtaposition of these two incidents, one a near-miss averted through established safety protocols, the other a devastating collision, underscores the critical importance of air traffic management and the adherence to safety regulations.
Officials from Flair Airlines, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), and NAV Canada, the organization responsible for air traffic control across Canada, confirmed the Montreal incident. They emphasized that the situation did not constitute a “near-miss,” and passengers were never in danger. Instead, they highlighted the effectiveness of Canada’s aviation safety system and the coordinated response of all involved parties in ensuring a safe outcome. The event served as a demonstration of the protocols in place to prevent potential collisions.
The key to the successful resolution of the incident was the adherence to established procedures. The delay in the Challenger jet’s exit from the runway, while unexpected, triggered a well-defined response. The air traffic controllers, observing the situation, immediately instructed the Flair Airlines flight crew to perform the go-around maneuver. This standard procedure allows an aircraft to safely abort a landing and reposition for another attempt, preventing potential collisions with other aircraft or obstacles on the runway.
The TSB spokesperson, Nic Falco, confirmed that no separation standards were violated, and the safety of the aircraft was not compromised. The go-around procedure was executed precisely according to standard operating procedures. While the TSB was informed of the incident through NAV Canada’s regular reporting, they did not initiate a formal investigation. This was due to the fact that the two aircraft maintained the legally required minimum distance from each other throughout the event, indicating no breach of safety regulations.
This event underlines the crucial role played by air traffic controllers in maintaining safe and efficient air travel. Their constant monitoring of aircraft positions and their ability to issue timely instructions are essential for preventing potential conflicts. The adherence to standard operating procedures, both by air traffic controllers and flight crews, is equally critical. These procedures provide a framework for managing unexpected situations, such as the delayed departure of the Challenger jet from the runway, and ensure that appropriate actions are taken to maintain safety. The Montreal incident, while momentarily unsettling, ultimately showcased the effectiveness of these procedures and the professionalism of the personnel involved. The incident was resolved without incident, demonstrating the robust nature of Canadian aviation safety protocols.
