HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) has issued a formal apology after a flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Hong Kong (HKG) was delayed by 54 hours. The delay was caused by a medical emergency and subsequent operational challenges, leading to frustration for the affected passengers.
The airline diverted the flight to Iceland for medical assistance, then returned to Toronto due to crew restrictions, ultimately causing a significant delay. Despite the setback, the airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and provided accommodations for those impacted.
Cathay Pacific Flight 54 Hours Delay
Cathay Pacific (CX) flight operated by Airbus A350 identified as CX829 departed from Toronto (YYZ) en route to Hong Kong (HKG) but was diverted to Keflavik International Airport in Iceland due to a medical emergency.
A passenger required urgent medical attention, prompting the unscheduled stop. After refueling, the flight returned to Toronto, where it faced further delays due to mandatory crew rest requirements.
Cathay Pacific explained that the decision to return was made to comply with regulations set by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department.
The remaining flight crew hours were insufficient to complete the journey to Hong Kong. This operational constraint, while inconvenient, aligns with international safety standards designed to ensure crew alertness and passenger safety.
The stated:
Acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the delay, Cathay Pacific arranged hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation for passengers stranded in Toronto.
The flight was rescheduled to depart at 3:30 PM Eastern Standard Time on Friday with a new crew, allowing for compliance with safety and operational protocols.
Passengers faced a total delay of 54 hours, arriving in Hong Kong significantly later than planned. The airline expressed regret for the disruption, reaffirming that passenger safety remains the top priority.
Cathay Pacific issued a statement, saying:
Similar Incidents
Cathay Pacific flight CX840 executed an emergency landing at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on October 5, 2024, during its Hong Kong to New York route. The Airbus A350 landed at 01:44 local time to facilitate urgent medical attention for an ailing passenger, who received immediate care before hospital transfer.
This incident follows a fatal medical emergency on September 8, 2024, when a German passenger collapsed aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX663 at Hong Kong International Airport. The Mumbai-bound flight’s crew initiated emergency medical protocols at 8:59 pm local time, immediately before the scheduled departure.
The passenger, despite receiving immediate first aid from the flight crew and prompt ambulance response, did not survive. Cathay Pacific confirmed both incidents, demonstrating their emergency medical response procedures across different scenarios
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The post Cathay Pacific Flight from Toronto Delayed by 54 Hours, Airline Apologize appeared first on Aviation A2Z.