Canadian investigators have disclosed that an Airbus A319 crew experienced a conflict over authorisation while crossing a runway at Mexico City.

The Air Canada Rouge aircraft, transporting 136 passengers and five crew members, had been due to operate a service to Toronto on 3 August.

While taxiing for a departure from runway 05R the aircraft was cleared by ground control to cross the parallel runway 05L from taxiway B2.

Transportation Safety Board of Canada states that the clearance was read back, with "no challenge" from ground control.

But it adds that, after crossing the runway and making initial contact with tower controllers, the crew was informed that they had "not been cleared" to cross the runway. The crew responded that they had received authorisation from ground control, whereupon tower controllers cleared the flight for take-off.

No further explanation has been given for the contradiction. TSB says the operator is following up with Mexican air traffic authorities.

Source: Cirium Dashboard