An Air Corsica flight from Paris-Orly to Ajaccio experienced a significant delay on September 15, 2025. The delay occurred when an air traffic controller at Ajaccio's Napoleon Bonaparte Airport reportedly fell asleep, leaving the incoming aircraft in a holding pattern over Corsica. This event led to the flight landing over an hour late and raised concerns about aviation safety protocols.
Key Takeaways
- Air Corsica flight XK777 was delayed by 70 minutes.
- An air traffic controller reportedly fell asleep during duty.
- The aircraft circled for about 30 minutes.
- Runway lights were off during the initial approach.
- The incident highlights concerns about controller vigilance.
Flight Details and Initial Approach
The flight, designated XK777, was an Airbus A320neo, registered F-HXKJ. It departed from Paris-Orly (ORY) at 10:46 PM. This was nearly an hour after its scheduled departure time of 9:50 PM. The aircraft was en route to Ajaccio (AJA), on the French island of Corsica.
During its descent, the aircraft reached an altitude of 37,000 feet. As it descended further to approximately 15,000 feet, the flight crew encountered an unexpected problem. They noticed that the runway lights at Napoleon Bonaparte Airport were not illuminated.
Flight Facts
- Aircraft Type: Airbus A320neo
- Registration: F-HXKJ
- Route: Paris-Orly (ORY) to Ajaccio (AJA)
- Scheduled Arrival: 11:25 PM
- Actual Arrival: 12:35 AM (next day)
Loss of Communication and Holding Pattern
After observing the unlit runway, the pilots attempted to contact the air traffic control tower. However, the tower controller did not respond to their radio calls. This lack of communication created a critical situation for the arriving flight.
In response, the flight crew initiated a holding pattern over the Gulf of Ajaccio. This maneuver is a standard safety procedure when an aircraft cannot proceed with its planned approach or landing. It allows time for issues on the ground to be resolved or for alternative plans to be made.
Air Traffic Control Role
Air traffic controllers are crucial for air travel safety. They manage aircraft movements on the ground and in the air. This includes providing clearance for takeoff and landing, directing planes in flight, and ensuring safe separation between aircraft. Their continuous vigilance is essential.
Attempts to Establish Contact and Diversion Preparations
With no response from the control tower, the pilots tried other avenues to get information. They contacted the airport's fire department. Their hope was that someone there could provide an update or assist with the runway lighting issue. This attempt also failed to yield any results.
The crew then escalated their concerns. They reached out to local police authorities. Simultaneously, they began preparing for a potential diversion. The nearest alternative airport was Bastia (BIA), located about 56 miles from Ajaccio.
"The crew found that runway lights at Napoleon Bonaparte Airport were switched off. The tower controller ceased responding to radio calls."
Resolution and Delayed Landing
The Air Corsica Airbus A320neo circled for approximately 30 minutes over the Gulf of Ajaccio. During this time, the pilots maintained their attempts to re-establish contact with the control tower. Eventually, communication with the air traffic controller was restored.
Upon re-establishing contact, the controller provided an explanation for the silence. The controller reported having fallen asleep while on duty. This admission clarified the reason for the unlit runway and the lack of radio response.
Delay Impact
- Holding Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
- Total Flight Time: 109 minutes
- Total Delay: 70 minutes
Due to this incident, flight XK777 landed at Ajaccio at 12:35 AM. This was 70 minutes after its scheduled arrival time of 11:25 PM. The total flight time for the journey from Paris-Orly to Ajaccio was 109 minutes.
Implications for Air Traffic Safety
This event raises serious questions about fatigue management and staffing levels within air traffic control operations. Air traffic controllers are responsible for maintaining constant vigilance. This is especially true during critical flight phases, such as an aircraft's final approach to an airport.
When crucial elements like runway lighting fail and radio communication ceases, the safety risks increase significantly. Holding patterns are a safety measure, but they also lead to operational costs, increased fuel consumption, and inconvenience for passengers.
Regulatory Review and Past Incidents
Aviation regulators may need to review existing rules and oversight mechanisms. The goal would be to prevent controllers from falling asleep while on duty. While such incidents are uncommon, similar situations have occurred in the past.
For example, in 2022, there were reports of pilots becoming unresponsive due to falling asleep during flights. One such incident involved an ITA Airways transatlantic flight. Another involved an Ethiopian Airlines flight where both pilots reportedly fell asleep. These past events underscore the importance of strict protocols and regular checks to ensure all aviation personnel maintain alertness.
Fatigue Management
Fatigue is a known risk factor in various safety-critical professions, including aviation. Effective fatigue management systems involve scheduling, rest periods, and monitoring to ensure personnel are fit for duty. Regulators often set strict limits on working hours to mitigate these risks.
Aviation stakeholders must work to ensure that incidents involving lapses in controller vigilance remain extremely rare. The safety of air travel relies on the continuous alertness of all personnel involved in flight operations.
Conclusion
On September 15, 2025, Air Corsica flight XK777 experienced a substantial delay. The cause was unlit runway lights and an air traffic controller who fell asleep. The aircraft circled for approximately 30 minutes before landing 70 minutes late. This incident highlights potential safety risks in air traffic control and emphasizes the need for constant vigilance. It may prompt a review of staffing and fatigue management standards within the aviation industry.
