In compliance with Joint Memorandum Circular No. 001 s. 2023, Air Canada has established the following contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays. This plan applies to any Air Canada scheduled flight departing from the Philippines, as well as diversion airports within the Philippines. The Contingency Plan is separate from and not a part of Air Canada’s General Conditions of Carriage.
It is never our intention to cause stress or harm to our customers. However, in cases of unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances where an aircraft cannot take off or be gated upon arrival, this plan ensures the needs of our customers on board are met.
Definition of a tarmac delay
A "Tarmac Delay" occurs when the aircraft remains on the ground for three (3) hours or more reckoned from the time the aircraft door is closed or from the time the aircraft lands and is parked with no opportunity for passengers to deplane, either before taking off or after landing, due to security and/or safety reasons and such other causes as may be determined by the air traffic and/or airport ramp or ground control.
Limits of lengthy onboard ground delays
Lengthy ground delays can occur during taxi-out prior to departure, during taxi-in after landing, or as a result of a diversion. The following limits apply:
- The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) must ensure the comfort and convenience of passengers during lengthy tarmac delays. The PIC must initiate deplaning procedures if the delay exceeds three (3) hours, unless deplaning is not viable.
- Upon reaching three (3) hours, unless there is a definite take-off time within thirty (30) minutes, Air Canada will return the aircraft to the gate, or another suitable disembarkation point for deplaning.
- Air Canada will not permit an aircraft to remain on the tarmac at a Philippine airport for more than three (3) hours, unless there is a definite take-off time.
Delays longer than three (3) hours may be necessary if:
- The PIC determines there is a safety or security reason preventing the aircraft from leaving its position to deplane passengers.
- Air Traffic Control or Airport Ground Control advises that returning to the gate would significantly disrupt airport operations.
- When the PIC receives a notice advising that the flight can depart within thirty (30) minutes of breaching the three (3) hour threshold. However, deplaning of passengers may further be put on hold beyond the three (3) hour threshold to no more than two (2) thirty (30) minute notices issued by the ORCC/Air Traffic Service (ATS). In lieu of or in addition to Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), the notice from the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) or another approved aeronautical communication system will be deemed sufficient notice.
Passenger services during a lengthy onboard ground delay
- Air Canada will provide adequate food and potable water no later than two (2) hours after the aircraft leaves the gate or touches down, unless safety or security considerations preclude such service.
- Operable lavatory facilities will remain available while the aircraft is on the tarmac. Adequate medical attention will be provided if needed.
Coordination with airport and government authorities
Air Canada will coordinate this contingency plan with airport authorities at departure, destination, and diversion airports in the Philippines. Coordination with relevant government agencies, such as the Bureau of Customs, Bureau of Immigration, and Office of the Transport Security, will be ensured for any deplaning procedures.
Air Canada will provide sufficient resources to carry out this plan and designate a person to monitor delays, address passenger queries, and provide flight status updates.
Notifications
- The PIC will promptly communicate any advice from airport authorities regarding the status of a flight, its delay, and other relevant information.
- Passengers will receive status updates every thirty (30) minutes, including the reason for the delay, if known.
- Passengers will be informed about disembarkation procedures, and Air Canada will work with relevant government agencies on these procedures.
Codeshare flights
In the event that you are on a flight operated by one of Air Canada’s codeshare partners , the tarmac delay contingency plan of the carrier operating your flight will apply in the event of a tarmac delay.
Responsibility
System Operations Control (SOC) is responsible for the management and quality of these plans. The decision-making for these plans lies within the SOC Centre. In making their decision, SOC will take into account, notably, the effects of flights delays, flight cancellations and lengthy tarmac delays on passengers. Airport Customer Service (ACS), Flight Operations and In-Flight Service will carry out the plan at the station and flight level.