Canada flight cancelled after child refuses to wear seat belt - BBC News

The incident has sparked a debate over child safety and discipline on commercial planes.

Image source, Getty ImagesByMax MatzaPublished10 August 2026The cancellation of a flight in Canada after a child refused to wear a seat belt has reignited a debate about the etiquette and safety procedures relating to children travelling on planes.

The Porter Airlines flight, which was preparing to depart from Victoria to Toronto on 6 August had to return to the terminal as a "young child was standing in their seat and would not secure their seat belt", the airline said.

The delay meant the flight could not depart before the runway closed after midnight so passengers had to be rebooked on a flight the following day.

The incident has split opinion about how children should be treated in such situations and how airlines should respond.

Regarding the child's behaviour, Porter Airlines said "attempts by the accompanying parent and crew to address this were unsuccessful".