Air Corsica Flight XK777 Incident: Sleeping Controller Causes Hour Delay
An Air Corsica flight from Paris to Ajaccio was delayed nearly an hour Monday evening as the air traffic controller at Ajaccio tower fell asleep, according to reports.
Incident Overview
On September 15, Air Corsica Flight XK777, operating an Airbus A320-252N (registration F-HXKJ), faced an unexpected issue: the aircraft had to circle above Corsica for almost an hour. This situation arose because the air traffic controller on duty had fallen asleep, a local newspaper, Corse Matin, reported.
A Sequence of Operational Challenges
- The aircraft arrived for approach but received no response from the control tower and found the runway lighting switched off.
- Initially departing Paris an hour late, the crew’s situation became more precarious as they sought communication with ground control.
- Ultimately, the captain reached out to airport firefighters, who contacted the local police after getting no response from the controller.
Implementation of Emergency Procedures
With no air traffic control response and darkened runways, diverting to Bastia was considered. This represented a significant deviation from standard safety protocols, which require clearance and proper lighting for aircraft landings. Emergency teams, including airport firefighters and local gendarmerie, were dispatched to address the issue, eventually waking the controller and enabling the resumption of operations.
Pilot’s Perspective on the Incident
The captain, noting the rarity of the event, remarked to passengers on the extraordinary circumstances, emphasizing the unusual nature of the incident in his extensive career.
Once the controller resumed duties, the flight landed without further issues. Tracking data showed the flight, initially delayed by 27 minutes at departure, landed one hour and 18 minutes late in Ajaccio.
Discussion on Safety Protocols
While resolved with no direct harm, the incident has fueled discussions about air traffic control procedures in Corsica, with experts highlighting potential deficiencies in staffing and safety measures, especially concerning runway lighting activation during evening operations.
Systemic Challenges in Air Traffic Control
This incident, rare for mainland France, underscores persistent challenges highlighted by air traffic controller unions, particularly regarding staffing and fatigue. These systemic issues continue to draw attention within the nation’s aviation sector.
