Air Canada plane veers off taxiway at Montreal airport, no injuries
An Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX on Flight AC774 from Los Angeles veered off a taxiway into the grass at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport on Thursday, July 9, 2026, after landing. All 156 passengers and six crew evacuated safely with no injuries reported, though the air canada plane montreal incident closed a runway and triggered investigations.
Air Canada said the aircraft landed normally before sustaining what it called a "taxiway excursion" while exiting the runway. The jet came to a stop on adjacent grass, and Aéroports de Montréal activated its emergency coordination centre in response.
Key Takeaways
- Air Canada Flight AC774, a Boeing 737 MAX from Los Angeles, left the taxiway after landing at Montréal-Trudeau on July 9, 2026.
- No injuries were reported among 156 passengers and six crew; everyone was bused to the terminal.
- The airport's north runway closed temporarily to support evacuation and recovery, causing flight delays.
- Air Canada and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada are investigating the cause.
- An aviation expert called the roughly three-hour wait to deplane "dangerously slow" for a stationary aircraft.
What happened to the Air Canada plane in Montreal?
Flight AC774 was operating from Los Angeles to Montréal-Trudeau when the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 4 p.m. According to CBC News, the aircraft landed before veering off the taxiway and coming to rest in the grass beside the paved surface.
Air Canada told reporters the landing itself was normal and that the excursion happened as the plane was leaving the runway area. The airline said it would tow the Boeing 737 MAX to a hangar for a full inspection once recovery operations allowed.
Were any passengers injured in the incident?
No injuries were reported. Air Canada confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely deplaned and transported to the terminal by bus. The airline later stated that everyone aboard had reached the terminal without harm.
As a precaution, the airport temporarily closed its north runway while passengers were evacuated from the aircraft. Officials warned the disruption could cause delays and advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Why is the slow deplaning raising concerns?
John Gradek, a lecturer and academic program coordinator in McGill University's aviation management program, told the Montreal Gazette that passengers reportedly remained onboard for about three hours after the aircraft stopped. He called that delay "dangerously slow" and said it deserves scrutiny alongside the search for what caused the excursion.
Gradek noted the aircraft appeared stable and no longer moving once it halted in the grass. Extended confinement on a stationary jet can heighten passenger stress; our Longevity & Biohacking coverage explores wellness approaches for managing travel-related anxiety during unexpected delays.
What happens next in the investigation?
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has dispatched investigators to examine the incident. Air Canada said it is conducting its own detailed investigation and will work with relevant authorities to determine the cause.
Gradek cautioned against speculation about what led the aircraft off the taxiway, noting investigators will have access to far more evidence than the public. The north runway eventually reopened Thursday evening, and some flights scheduled on the affected aircraft were cancelled as the probe continued.