The flight, XK777, was scheduled to leave ORY at 21:50 and arrive in AJA at 23:25. Instead, it departed almost an hour late at 22:46, and the flight time was much greater than was estimated.
XK777 climbed as high as 37,000 feet. While descending through approximately 15,000 feet, the crew found that runway lights at Napoleon Bonaparte Airport were switched off.
When the tower controller ceased responding to radio calls, the pilots entered a holding pattern over the Gulf of Ajaccio, performing 3 x 8 minute circuits.
While holding, the crew attempted to contact the airport fire department, hoping someone would provide information. When that failed, they escalated the issue to local police. Meanwhile, they had prepared for a diversion to Bastia Poretta airport (BIA/LFKB), about 56 miles away.
The aircraft circled for about 25 minutes before communication with the air traffic controller resumed. Once contact was re-established, the controller admitted to having fallen asleep while on duty.
Because of this disruption, the flight landed in AJA at 00:35 approximately 70 minutes after its scheduled arrival. The total flight time was 109 minutes.
This incident raises serious concerns about fatigue management and staffing at air traffic control facilities. Controllers must maintain vigilance, especially during critical phases like final approach. When runway lighting is off and radio communication fails, safety risks increase sharply.
Holding patterns serve as a safety buffer but impose operational cost, fuel burn, and passenger inconvenience. Aviation regulators may review current rules or oversight mechanisms to ensure controllers cannot fall asleep on duty.
Aircraft Information:
While holding, the crew attempted to contact the airport fire department, hoping someone would provide information. When that failed, they escalated the issue to local police. Meanwhile, they had prepared for a diversion to Bastia Poretta airport (BIA/LFKB), about 56 miles away.
The aircraft circled for about 25 minutes before communication with the air traffic controller resumed. Once contact was re-established, the controller admitted to having fallen asleep while on duty.
Because of this disruption, the flight landed in AJA at 00:35 approximately 70 minutes after its scheduled arrival. The total flight time was 109 minutes.
This incident raises serious concerns about fatigue management and staffing at air traffic control facilities. Controllers must maintain vigilance, especially during critical phases like final approach. When runway lighting is off and radio communication fails, safety risks increase sharply.
Holding patterns serve as a safety buffer but impose operational cost, fuel burn, and passenger inconvenience. Aviation regulators may review current rules or oversight mechanisms to ensure controllers cannot fall asleep on duty.
Aircraft Information:
Airline: Air Corsica
Code: XK/CCM
Aircraft: Airbus A320-252
Registration: F-HXKJ
Serial Number: 9392
Engines: 2 x CFMI LEAP-1A24First Flew: 22nd November 2019
Age: 5.10 Years
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