A Porter Airlines flight from Victoria to Toronto was cancelled after a young child refused to wear a seatbelt.

The incident occurred on flight PD444 as the aircraft was preparing for take-off from Victoria International Airport in Canada.

The child reportedly stood on the seat and repeatedly refused attempts by the parents and cabin crew to fasten the seatbelt.

Unable to take off with the child in an unsafe position, the pilot returned the aircraft to the terminal and the family was removed.

However, by the time the process was completed, it was past 12.30am and the runway had closed for the night.

The airline apologised to passengers, who were forced to remain at the airport until the following morning.