In France, it’s nap time before landing….
Imagine this: you’re flying from Paris to Ajaccio, Corsica. It’s late. The runway lights are off. And the tower is eerily silent. No, this isn’t the set of a farce, this is what really happened when one very tired air traffic controller nodded off mid‑shift.
What Went Down in Corsica
- The incident occurred late at night/shortly after midnight as an Air Corsica Airbus A320 made its descent into Napoléon Bonaparte (Ajaccio) Airport.
- The plane was already running about an hour late from Paris Orly. When air traffic control didn’t respond to radio calls, the runway lights were still off, and there was no sign of the controller.
- Fire crews and ultimately the gendarmerie had to physically access the control tower (which was locked) to wake the controller from his slumber. Only then did he activate the runway lighting and clear the aircraft to land safely.
- Tests for drugs/alcohol came back negative. Everyone onboard reportedly handled it well, no panic, some humour, and one confused but relieved landing.
In true French style, passengers described the delay with calm amusement. The pilot, decked out in years of flying experience, reportedly quipped they got a free sightseeing loop over the Gulf of Ajaccio. No dramatic diversions, no emergency landings, just a plane in the air, lights off on the ground, and everyone aware that sleep is no joke when you control the lights.
What This Says About Air Traffic Control
This episode pulls back the curtain on a few things:
- Staffing levels and fatigue are real concerns. Being the sole controller on duty in the control tower at night means every moment of downtime is risky.
- Safety systems depend not just on law and regulation, but on human alertness. Locks on tower doors, unlit runways, unresponsive radio, all culminated in a delay that could have been worse.
- Even when things go sideways, pilots and passengers can stay calm, and the aviation authorities have systems of backup (fire crews, police) that step in.
What To Take Away from This Incident
- Always allow extra time for unexpected delays, this is France, after all!
- Night flights + minimal staff at smaller airports + fatigue = a recipe for weird delays.
- As an foreigner flying into Corsica or smaller French airports, you may run into less‑standardised staff coverage or procedures at odd hours. No need for panic, but knowing your rights and possible delays helps.
In Corsica, apparently, naps happen even in the tower, but at least this one ended with a safe landing, a story worth telling, and passengers with a funny tale to tell back home.
So next time you're descending into Ajaccio, or somewhere off the beaten flight path, pack patience… and maybe a sense of humour.