Controller Naps, Flight Stranded Mid-Air for Hour

An Air Corsica flight from Paris Orly to Ajaccio faced a major safety lapse when it was forced to circle mid-air for nearly an hour because the control tower at Ajaccio airport went silent.

Crew Attempts to Contact Tower

Flight XK-777 kept circling while the crew tried to contact the air traffic controller but got no response. The captain contacted airport firefighters, who also failed to reach the tower, prompting police intervention.

Controller Found Asleep

Authorities later confirmed that the air traffic controller on duty had fallen asleep. The runway lights were also switched off, adding risk to the situation. The aircraft eventually landed safely, but the delay alarmed passengers and crew.

Safety Concerns Raised

The French Directorate General of Civil Aviation acknowledged the lapse. The Bureau of Investigations and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety is now considering whether to launch a full investigation into the incident.

Need for Stricter Protocols

Air traffic controllers carry immense responsibility as hundreds of lives depend on them. Falling asleep on duty shows a failure of both personal and institutional safeguards, highlighting the need for better fatigue management and emergency backup systems.