Flight Delays Expected in Toronto Today
August 3, 2005
Flight Delays Expected in Toronto Today
August 3, 2005 – Today many are calling Flight AF 358 the miracle flight. Yesterday the Air France flight carrying 297 passengers and 23 crew members skidded off the runway and burst into flames at Toronto’s Pearson Airport. Everyone on board survived.
In a statement from Jean-Francois Colin, senior executive vice president of Air France, it was reported that all passengers and crew members were able to clear the aircraft before the fire broke out. Twenty-two passengers suffering minor injuries were treated in five area hospitals.
Air France has established a passenger information center and a number is available for family or friends of those who may have been on board flight AF 358:
Air France also stated that they will provide transportation home to those desiring it and will compensate all passengers.
Ontario Provincial Police were asking commuters on Highway 401 to be cautious and to avoid staring at the wreckage the plane. Police reported two accidents on the highway Tuesday that they said were related to staring motorists.
The Greater Toronto Airport Authority said Pearson would resume normal operations Wednesday, but it was expected to be a day of delays, cancellations and frustration as long lineups continued to grow at ticket counters throughout the morning. Some of the stranded passengers were forced to bunk overnight at the airport on foam mattresses.
All passengers flying to and from Toronto were being asked to call ahead and confirm the status of their flights.
Air Canada is also advising passengers whose flights have been cancelled to call the reservations line rather than show up at the airport, where officials were trying to manage a huge backlog of travelers delayed by the crash.