Shocking Incident at Ajaccio Airport: Air Traffic Controller Allegedly Fell Asleep

A plane from Paris-Orly circled in the air for about an hour before landing at Ajaccio Airport. Reports claim the delay was caused by the on-duty air traffic controller falling asleep.

On the evening of Monday, 15 September, an unusual incident took place at Ajaccio Airport. A passenger aircraft from Paris-Orly was forced to wait in the air for nearly an hour before being allowed to land. According to reports in the French press, the reason for the delay was that the air traffic controller had dozed off.

No Landing Clearance, Runway Lights Switched Off

Air Corsica’s Airbus A320neo (F-HXKJ), operating flight XK777, departed Paris with a 27-minute delay. Upon arriving in Corsica, the cockpit crew received no response from the control tower and noticed that the runway lights were off. The captain contacted the airport fire service, which in turn alerted the gendarmerie.

Alternative Airport Considered

For a time, diverting the flight to Bastia was considered. However, communication with the tower was later re-established. Despite a delay of 1 hour and 18 minutes, the aircraft landed safely at Ajaccio Airport.

Fatigue and Staff Shortages Spark Debate

In Corsica, where flight traffic doubles during the summer season, the issues of fatigue and insufficient staffing among air traffic controllers have once again come under discussion. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) emphasises the vital importance of runway lighting during evening operations and requires additional staff to be assigned to prevent such incidents.