On December 13, 2023, an Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319 experienced an unusual incident when a baggage handler became trapped in the aircraft’s cargo hold prior to departure. The flight, designated AC1502, was scheduled to leave from Toronto, Ontario, to Moncton, New Brunswick, but the situation quickly escalated into a significant delay for passengers.
The aircraft was set to take off at 14:00 local time but was already behind schedule. Boarding began around 18:30 after various delays. While the plane started to taxi away from the gate, passengers reported hearing banging and screaming from the cargo area, prompting the pilot to halt the taxiing process. Following this, the aircraft remained on the apron for an extended period until the captain addressed the worried passengers.
Incident Unfolds
The captain confirmed over the loudspeaker that a baggage handler was indeed trapped inside the cargo hold. In response to the alarming situation, the aircraft was kept stationary for an additional hour while ground crews worked to resolve the issue. Eventually, all passengers were disembarked as the pilots reached their maximum working hours.
By approximately 20:22, passengers left the aircraft, awaiting further updates in the terminal. They remained there until 22:00 when they were informed they could board the aircraft again. Unfortunately, the ordeal continued. After the new pilots took command, the flight was still unable to depart by 23:00 due to a mechanical issue that required immediate attention.
At 23:15, passengers were once again asked to leave the aircraft as a replacement plane was arranged for their journey. Just before midnight, at 23:50, the replacement aircraft arrived, but by 01:50 the following morning, the flight was officially cancelled. Passengers were rebooked on a flight scheduled for later that day, and the flight to Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) finally departed on December 14, approximately 24 hours after the original departure time.
Potential Consequences of the Incident
The baggage handler remained in the cargo hold throughout the ordeal, which lasted for the duration of the flight. Had the aircraft taken off without discovering the individual, the situation could have been dire. The trapped worker would have faced extremely low temperatures, reduced oxygen levels, and significant pressure changes, all of which could have led to severe health risks, including hypothermia or unconsciousness.
Fortunately, the baggage handler was unharmed, and the Airbus A319-200 was reported to be undamaged. Nonetheless, the aircraft has remained grounded since the incident.
Air Canada operates regular non-stop flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Moncton, utilizing various aircraft including those from Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge. This route is also served by Porter Airlines, and starting in mid-2026, low-cost carrier Flair will offer seasonal flights from Toronto.
Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick and serves as a key location in the Canadian Maritimes, offering access to notable attractions such as Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. The incident on December 13 serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in air travel and the importance of safety protocols in ensuring the well-being of all individuals involved.
