Baggage Handler Trapped on Air Canada Flight Causes Major Delays

On December 13, 2023, a baggage handler found themselves in a perilous situation aboard an Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319. As the aircraft began to taxi for a scheduled flight from Toronto, Ontario, to Moncton, New Brunswick, it became apparent that an unexpected passenger was trapped in the cargo hold. This alarming discovery caused significant delays and raised serious safety concerns.

The flight, designated AC1502, was scheduled to depart at 14:00 and was originally set to arrive in Moncton at 17:03. Due to earlier delays, boarding did not commence until approximately 18:30. As the aircraft pushed back and taxied, passengers began to hear banging and screaming from the cargo area. Following these alarming sounds, the captain halted the aircraft’s movement, leading to a prolonged period of uncertainty on the apron.

After about an hour, the captain addressed the passengers via the loudspeaker, explaining the situation. The aircraft remained stationary while ground crews worked to resolve the issue. This incident raised suspicions among passengers, who were understandably anxious about the unusual delay.

Flight Cancellation After Extended Delays

As the evening progressed, the situation worsened. Passengers were eventually disembarked when it became clear that the pilots had exceeded their permitted flight hours. By 20:22, all passengers had left the aircraft and waited in the terminal until 22:00 before being allowed to re-board. Unfortunately, the delays did not end there.

Once passengers were back on the aircraft, now with a new crew, hopes were high for a departure. However, by 23:00, the Airbus A319-200 was still on the apron. Passengers were informed that a mechanical issue had arisen, necessitating repairs before takeoff. At 23:15, the decision was made to deboard the passengers again, and they were informed that a replacement aircraft was being dispatched.

As midnight approached, a replacement aircraft arrived at the gate at around 23:50. However, by 01:50 the following morning, it became clear that the flight had been officially cancelled. A new flight was arranged for later that day, allowing passengers to finally depart on December 14, 2023, reaching Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport approximately 24 hours late.

Safety Concerns and Airline Response

Fortunately, the baggage handler remained in the cargo hold for the duration of the incident, as passengers’ reports of banging and screaming drew attention to the situation before the aircraft took off. Had the flight proceeded into the air, the baggage handler could have faced severe risks, including hypothermia, frostbite, or unconsciousness due to the extreme cold, low oxygen levels, and pressure changes typically experienced at cruising altitudes.

Despite the aircraft being undamaged, it has remained grounded since the incident. Air Canada operates year-round non-stop services from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Moncton, with competition from other airlines such as Porter Airlines and the upcoming entry of Flair Airlines in mid-2026.

This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety protocols in commercial air travel, as well as the need for effective communication between airline staff and passengers.