Introduction
On 16 March 2025, an Air Transat Airbus A330-300, registration C-GTSD, operating flight TS-539 from Cancun International Airport (MMUN), Mexico, to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (CYUL), Canada, experienced a flight crew medical incident during final approach. As the aircraft descended towards runway 24R at Montréal, the First Officer experienced partial physical incapacitation. The Captain assumed full control and completed the landing without further complication. The aircraft landed safely with no reported injuries to passengers or other crew.
Flight and Aircraft Information
• Operator: Air Transat
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A330-343
• Registration: C-GTSD
• Engines: 2 × Rolls-Royce Trent 772B
• Flight Number: TS-539
• Callsign: TRANSAT 539
• Departure Airport: Cancun International Airport (MMUN), Mexico
• Destination Airport: Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (CYUL), Canada
• Date of Incident: 16 March 2025
• Time of Incident: Approx. 15:40 local time
• Persons on Board: 340 passengers, 11 crew
• Injuries: None reported
• Flight Phase: Final approach
• Weather Conditions: VMC – Visual Meteorological Conditions
Meteorological Conditions (METAR at Time of Landing)
CYUL 161500Z 25010KT 15SM FEW020 SCT045 BKN090 02/M01 A2998
• Wind: 250° at 10 knots
• Visibility: 15 statute miles
• Clouds: Few clouds at 2,000 ft, scattered at 4,500 ft, broken at 9,000 ft
• Temperature: 2°C
• Dewpoint: -1°C
• QNH: 1015 hPa
Sequence of Events
1. Enroute Flight and Approach Initiation
The aircraft departed Cancun as scheduled and proceeded uneventfully throughout cruise and descent towards Montréal. Clearance for the ILS approach to runway 24R was obtained as the aircraft entered final approach.
2. Crew Incapacitation Event
During the final segment of the approach, the First Officer exhibited signs of partial physical incapacitation. The nature of the symptoms has not been officially disclosed but was sufficient for the Captain to assume sole control of the aircraft in accordance with standard operating procedures.
3. Command Transfer and Landing
The Captain assumed full control of the aircraft. The approach continued under single-pilot operations, and the aircraft landed safely on runway 24R. Emergency medical services were requested to attend the aircraft after landing.
4. Post-Landing Response
Upon taxi-in, medical personnel boarded the aircraft and attended to the incapacitated crew member. The First Officer was transported to a local hospital for assessment and treatment. The aircraft was subsequently released from service after all disembarkation procedures were completed.
Crew Actions and SOP Compliance
Air Transat’s standard operating procedures for flight crew incapacitation were correctly followed:
• Immediate assumption of control by the Captain
• Continued communication with air traffic control
• Request for medical assistance upon landing
• Coordination with cabin crew to manage the remainder of the flight and ensure safety
No emergency declaration was made as the situation remained manageable, and the flight was on final approach under stable conditions.
Preliminary Medical and Operational Review
Details regarding the cause of the First Officer’s partial incapacitation have not been disclosed publicly. Preliminary information suggests the issue was medical in nature and not related to fatigue, substance, or flight-related stressors.
The aircraft did not sustain any damage, and no technical malfunctions were reported. No passengers were impacted operationally by the event, and disembarkation proceeded normally.
Regulatory Oversight and Follow-Up
Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) have been notified of the incident. As the event involved crew incapacitation during a critical phase of flight, a routine inquiry will be undertaken to:
• Assess the medical condition of the crew member
• Review flight data recordings to verify the procedural response
• Evaluate cockpit workload and CRM (Crew Resource Management) response
• Ensure Air Transat’s compliance with crew fitness protocols and reporting obligations
Pending the outcome of medical examinations, the First Officer’s licence status may be reviewed in accordance with Canadian aviation medical regulations.
Operational Impact
• Flight Delay: No significant delay to arriving flights was reported at CYUL.
• Aircraft Status: The aircraft returned to service after standard checks.
• Passenger Disruption: Minimal – all passengers were informed post-landing.
• Crew Schedule: Replacement crew arranged for subsequent flights involving the aircraft.
Conclusion
On 16 March 2025, Air Transat flight TS-539 safely completed its approach and landing at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport following the partial incapacitation of the First Officer during final approach. The Captain assumed full control, and all SOPs were correctly followed to ensure passenger safety. The crew member was treated post-flight, and authorities have initiated a standard follow-up investigation into the incident.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 26 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
