British Airways captain ends 36-year career with a unique homecoming at Toronto Pearson
British Airways flight BA93 touched down at Toronto Pearson International Airport after a transatlantic journey from London Heathrow. For most passengers, it was an ordinary flight — but for Captain Neil Harding, it was the final chapter in a 36.5-year aviation career.
What made the arrival truly special: Harding’s son, Ben, was the air traffic controller guiding the aircraft from the ground. His other son, James, was in the cockpit as first officer. Watching it all unfold as a passenger was Neil’s wife, Liane — making it a full-circle family moment decades in the making.
A Family Legacy in the Skies
Ben Harding, who works with NAV CANADA — the country’s civil air navigation services provider — grew up immersed in aviation.
“I’ve been around it my entire life,” he said. “I even earned my pilot’s license and still fly small planes recreationally. But I discovered air traffic control in my final year of university, and it just clicked.”
He joined NAV CANADA in 2018 and found a career he loves — and one his father deeply respects. “Dad’s always been impressed by this path,” Ben said. “Though I used to joke that I just wanted to tell him what to do.”
A moment Years in the Making
The idea of guiding his father’s final flight had long been a dream, and after months of coordination between British Airways and NAV CANADA, it became a reality.
“It was more nerve-wracking than I expected,” Ben admitted. “You run through all the what-ifs. But in the moment, it was pure joy. Everything went smoothly.”
Coming Full Circle
For Neil, the flight marked a symbolic return. A proud Canadian, he ended his career where it first began.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Ben said. “Dad’s been a rock for our entire family, and to be part of this moment was indescribable.”
Over the radio, Ben kept his message short but heartfelt. “It wasn’t my moment — it was my dad’s,” he said. “My focus was doing the job first and soaking in the moment afterward.”
A Farewell to Remember
As the plane taxied to the gate and the family reunited on the ground, the emotion of the day hit home.
“It was surreal — something I’ll never forget,” Ben said. “To give Dad the send-off he deserves, that was really cool.”
He also offered thanks to those who made it possible: “I’m really grateful to my supervisors and managers. It took a lot of coordination, but it all came together perfectly.”
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