Vancouver, Canada: A Philippine Airlines Boeing 777-300 bound for Manila departed an hour late but later turned back over northern Vancouver Island on Sunday (Nov 17) morning, stranding hundreds of passengers.

The aircraft, which can seat up to 370 passengers, departed an hour behind schedule but was forced to turn back over northern Vancouver Island, ultimately landing safely at YVR.

Fire crews and first responders met the aircraft, and all passengers deplaned without injuries, according to Emergency Health Services, as per Canadian media.

Passengers are being asked to rebook, with the airline covering hotel costs.

The airline cited “aircraft maintenance” as the reason for the return, and the plane has been removed from service. The Transportation Safety Board confirmed to it is not investigating, according to Vancouver-based Global News.

On Monday (Nov 18), the departing flights board at YVR also listed PAL Flight PR117 as “delayed”. It was originally set to take off at 10.45pm on November 18 (Monday), but finally took off at 12.10 am on November 19 (Tuesday).

-B