Overview

• Pilots arriving from Paris-Orly reported no response from the control tower and noted the runway was unlit during the night approach.
• The aircraft circled over the Gulf of Ajaccio for about an hour as airport firefighters and local police were contacted to reach the tower.
• Runway lights were activated, radio contact was restored, and the flight landed safely shortly after midnight with no injuries reported.
• Authorities said tests on the controller detected no alcohol or illegal drugs.
• The reliance on a single controller overnight has drawn scrutiny of staffing and procedures, with a diversion to Bastia considered during the delay.