Jet from France orbiting idly, air control operator in Corsica dozing off

In an unusual incident on September 15, 2021, an Air Corsica Airbus A320 experienced a landing delay at Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport. The flight, which departed from Paris Orly and was scheduled to arrive at its destination, was delayed due to an air traffic controller who fell asleep on duty.

According to reports, the controller was the only one on duty at the time of the flight's arrival. The controller's absence caused a 90-second failure of all radar and radio equipment at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, severing communications with aircraft. Fortunately, the flight crew was able to communicate with more responsive regional controllers and circled the Gulf of Ajaccio for an hour before landing.

The controller's lapse was reportedly discovered by airport staff who found him asleep at his desk. This incident reportedly caused distress among air traffic controllers, with some reportedly in tears and suffering heart palpitations. It is unclear what happened to the controller following the incident.

France's air traffic controllers have a history of strikes, citing exhaustion and stressful shifts brought on by too few staff. Top French air traffic controllers can earn up to €120,000 (around $140k) a year and can retire with a full pension as early as 50 due to the intense nature of the job.

In a more severe situation, the Airbus crew had planned to divert the flight to Bastia on the other side of the island. However, the controller who caused the delay tested negative for drugs and alcohol. The passengers reacted to the incident with levity.

Neither Ajaccio airport nor the French Civil Aviation Authority commented on the incident. Eurocontrol, the European air traffic control authority, has criticized French air traffic controllers for causing chaos in European skies when they strike.

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Interestingly, the captain of the Air Corsica flight stated that he had never handled such a situation in his career. Despite the unexpected delay, the flight eventually landed safely, a testament to the professionalism and quick thinking of the flight crew.