Air Canada incident in Montreal: what happened
On Sunday, July 12, 2026, an Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX 8 (registration C-GEOJ) carrying 156 passengers and 6 crew members went off the runway after landing at Montréal–Trudeau Airport (YUL) arriving from Los Angeles (LAX). Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident temporarily closed one of the airport’s two runways.
The runway excursion occurred during taxiing, shortly after flight AC774 had safely touched down. Airport authorities and the airline promptly managed the situation, ensuring passenger safety and the efficient resumption of operations.
Context and safety of the Boeing 737 MAX
After the well-known controversies and global review that the Boeing 737 MAX underwent in previous years, incidents like this attract considerable media attention. However, it is important to emphasize that this event did not compromise passenger safety, and Boeing continues working with aeronautical authorities to ensure high safety standards.
Practical impact on flights at Montréal–Trudeau
The temporary closure of one runway inevitably caused delays and some flight rescheduling for arrivals and departures, especially in the hours following the incident.
What this means for travelers departing or arriving in Montreal:
- Delays and cancellations: Some flights may experience delays exceeding an hour.
- Queues at security and gates: Reduced runway capacity can lead to increased crowding in boarding and security check areas.
- Passenger priority: The airport and airlines are prioritizing passengers with tight connections and emergency situations.
If you have a flight departing or arriving in Montreal in the coming days, it is essential to always monitor your flight status through the airline’s official channels or dedicated tools like our Flight Status Checker.
Tips for passengers traveling
Before departure
- Check flight status: Use the FlightGuard Check service for real-time updates and potential risks.
- Arrive early: Consider arriving at the airport ahead of time to allow extra time for extended checks or delays.
- Prepare documents and devices: Make sure your passport, ticket, and boarding passes are ready and easily accessible.
During the flight
- Follow crew instructions: The crew is your most reliable source of information in case of changes or urgent communications.
- Stay calm: Incidents like this are managed by experienced personnel and strict safety procedures.
After landing
- Follow airport directions: There may be detours or delays during disembarkation and baggage claim.
- Plan your transfer: Check bus, taxi, or other transport schedules, considering possible interference with airport traffic.
The role of Air Canada and focus on safety
Air Canada promptly assured that passenger and staff safety remain the top priority. Investigations are underway to clarify the causes of the runway excursion, aiming to prevent similar future incidents.
For travelers accustomed to flying with Air Canada or connecting from and to Montreal, it is advisable to stay updated on official communications from the airline and the airports involved.
How to monitor flights and manage possible disruptions
If your flight is affected or if you simply want an updated control window, use our dedicated tool to:
- Monitor real-time delays or cancellations;
- Receive personalized notifications on your itinerary;
- Assess the risk level for your flight and get practical advice.
Visit the Flight Status Checker section to learn more and prepare in advance.
Summary: The runway excursion of the Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX in Montreal is an event that caused no physical harm but temporarily impacted airport operations. For those traveling to or from Montreal, timely information, margin planning, and reliable monitoring tools like FlightGuard remain essential.
Want to know if your next flight is at risk? Check your flight risk on FlightGuard.
