A Porter Airlines flight was cancelled after a child reportedly refused to fasten their seat belt, sparking debate over passenger safety and how airlines should handle difficult situations involving young travellers.

The flight, which was preparing to depart from Victoria for Toronto on August 6, had to return to the terminal after a young child stood on a seat and refused to fasten their seat belt, according to the airline.

The delay meant the aircraft could not take off before the runway closed after midnight, forcing passengers to be rebooked on a flight the following day.

The incident attracted attention online, with passengers and members of the public divided over whether airlines should show greater flexibility towards families travelling with young children or strictly enforce safety regulations regardless of the circumstances.

Speaking to the BBC, child aviation safety expert Lia Tuso said the Porter crew were justified in stopping the flight, arguing that the decision was made to protect everyone on board, including the child.

“Unrestrained children can become projectiles,” Tuso said, comparing them to unsecured luggage that can be thrown through the cabin during sudden turbulence.

She explained that the risk is particularly serious during take-off and landing, when passengers are required to remain properly secured and unexpected incidents could have severe consequences.

According to Tuso, ensuring that children are safely restrained is not simply a matter of following airline rules but a critical safety measure that protects young passengers and those seated around them.

The incident has since reignited discussions about the challenges families can face when travelling by air, particularly when young children refuse to comply with safety instructions.

While some people online have questioned whether cancelling an entire flight was an excessive response, others have defended the airline, arguing that safety procedures must apply equally to all passengers.