An unexpected incident occurred on December 13, 2023, when a baggage handler became trapped in the cargo hold of an Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319. The flight, designated AC1502, was preparing for a domestic journey from Toronto, Ontario, to Moncton, New Brunswick, when the situation was discovered. Passengers reported hearing banging and screaming, prompting the pilot to halt the aircraft during its pushback from the gate.
The flight was initially scheduled to depart at 14:00 local time, but delays pushed boarding to approximately 18:30. As the aircraft began to taxi, the realization that a baggage handler was still in the cargo hold led to a pause in movement. After an hour of uncertainty, the captain addressed the passengers, explaining the circumstances and confirming that the baggage handler was indeed trapped.
Flight Delays and Passenger Discomfort
The situation forced the aircraft to remain on the apron for an extended period. Passengers expressed concern as they awaited updates. Eventually, around 20:22, all passengers were deboarded after the pilots exceeded their allowable flight hours. They were kept in the terminal until 22:00 before being reboarded for what they hoped would be a smooth departure to Moncton.
At 23:00, however, the aircraft remained grounded due to a mechanical issue. By 23:15, passengers were once again deboarded and notified that a replacement aircraft was on its way, further prolonging their wait. Just before midnight, a replacement plane arrived at the gate, but by 01:50 the next morning, the flight was officially cancelled.
Passengers were rebooked on a later flight, which finally took off on December 14, delivering them to Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) approximately 24 hours later than scheduled.
Potential Consequences and Safety Concerns
Remarkably, the baggage handler was in the cargo hold throughout the duration of the flight, which lasted 90 minutes. Had the aircraft taken off without addressing the situation, the baggage handler could have faced life-threatening conditions, including extreme cold, low oxygen levels, and significant pressure changes. Such an outcome could have resulted in severe hypothermia or unconsciousness.
Air Canada operates year-round non-stop flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Moncton, with services provided by Air Canada mainline, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge. The route also experiences competition from Porter Airlines and, starting in mid-2026, Flair Airlines will introduce seasonal flights.
Moncton is the largest city in New Brunswick and serves as a central hub in the Canadian Maritimes. Its airport is a key gateway to popular attractions like Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, which draws numerous visitors each year.
In light of this incident, Air Canada has yet to release a statement regarding the baggage handler’s condition or the operational changes that may be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The aircraft involved in the incident has remained out of service since that day.
