Air Canada flight AC7677 declares emergency near Halifax after squawking 7700

Air Canada flight AC7677 declared a general emergency while approaching Halifax on Saturday, transmitting the emergency code 7700 as it neared Nova Scotia.

The flight was operating from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was being operated by PAL Airlines on behalf of Air Canada.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft, a De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 registered C-GPFI, at about 24,000 feet while transmitting the emergency squawk.

AC7677 approaching Halifax

The aircraft was already nearing Halifax when the 7700 code appeared, indicating that the crew had declared a general emergency and was receiving priority handling from air traffic control.

The exact reason for the emergency has not yet been confirmed.

A 7700 transponder code can be used for a wide range of situations, including technical problems, medical emergencies or other urgent operational issues.

Further information is expected once Air Canada, PAL Airlines or aviation authorities provide an official update.