Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Sleeping Controller Leaves Ajaccio Flight Circling for an Hour Before Safe Landing

Authorities say the Ajaccio tower had a single controller who fell asleep, causing a ParisAjaccio flight to hold for about an hour before landing.

Overview

  • The Air Corsica flight from Paris-Orly could not reach the tower and found the runway dark on approach to Ajaccio.
  • The captain alerted airport firefighters, who in turn notified the gendarmerie, as a diversion to Bastia was considered.
  • Radio contact resumed and runway lights came on around 00:35, allowing a routine touchdown, according to FlightRadar data.
  • Emergency checks found the on-duty controller had nodded off while alone in the tower, with alcohol and drug tests returning negative.
  • Passengers reported calm on board as the crew provided updates, and the pilot said he had never encountered such a situation in decades of flying.