A law firm based in Nova Scotia has announced an agreement of $18 million with Air Canada and other parties involved in a class-action lawsuit stemming from a crash landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport ten years ago. The incident occurred when Air Canada Flight 624 from Toronto encountered power lines during a snowstorm, leading to a landing approximately 200 meters short of the runway and resulting in injuries to 25 out of the 133 passengers on board.
Ray Wagner, the founder of one of the law firms handling the case, mentioned that Air Canada will bear the majority of the settlement amount pending court approval, while defendants NAV Canada and the Halifax International Airport Authority will contribute lesser amounts, details of which will be disclosed in forthcoming court filings. Airbus and Transport Canada, also named in the lawsuit, will not be part of the settlement payouts.
Compensation for passengers will vary based on the extent of their injuries, ranging from minor scrapes to more severe conditions like knee, back, and shoulder injuries, as well as post-traumatic stress. Wagner highlighted the significant psychological impact of the crash on the passengers, emphasizing the urgent need for resolution.
The settlement, if accepted by the court, will cover not only compensation to passengers but also legal fees and expenses. The legal process, spanning a decade with various challenges, is expected to facilitate a prompt distribution of payouts to the affected individuals.
The Transportation Safety Board’s investigation report, issued two years after the incident, revealed operational issues during the landing approach, including inadequate considerations for weather conditions and runway lighting problems. The report detailed the sequence of events leading to the crash and highlighted improvements made post-incident to enhance airport safety protocols.
Following the crash, the airport has implemented upgrades to its navigation and lighting systems to prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring passenger safety remains a top priority. The settlement agreement marks a significant milestone in concluding the legal proceedings related to the unfortunate event, offering closure and compensation to those affected.