Air Passenger Protection Regulations (SOR/2019-150)

Marginal note:Passenger disembarkation

• 9 (1) If a flight is delayed on the tarmac at an airport in Canada, the carrier must provide an opportunity for passengers to disembark

  • (a) three hours after the aircraft doors have been closed for take-off; and

  • (b) three hours after the flight has landed, or at any earlier time if it is feasible.

• Marginal note:Take-off imminent

  (2) However, a carrier is not required to provide an opportunity for passengers to disembark if it is likely that take-off will occur less than three hours and 45 minutes after the doors of the aircraft are closed for take-off or after the flight has landed and the carrier is able to continue to provide the standard of treatment referred to in section 8.
  

• Marginal note:Priority disembarkation

  (3) A carrier that allows passengers to disembark must, if it is feasible, give passengers with disabilities and their support person, service animal or emotional support animal, if any, the opportunity to disembark first.

• Marginal note:Exceptions

  (4) This section does not apply if providing an opportunity for passengers to disembark is not possible, including if it is not possible for reasons related to safety and security or to air traffic or customs control.