A baggage handler experienced a harrowing ordeal on December 13, 2023, when they became trapped in the cargo hold of an Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319 during an attempted departure from Toronto to Moncton. The incident unfolded just as the aircraft began to taxi before the crew was alerted to the situation by passengers, who reported banging and screaming from the hold.
The flight, designated AC1502, was initially scheduled to depart Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) at 14:00, with an expected arrival in Moncton, New Brunswick, at 17:03. However, delays in boarding meant the aircraft did not begin its pushback until later that evening. According to eyewitness accounts shared on social media, the aircraft had already started to taxi when the crew realized there was someone trapped in the cargo compartment.
Passengers Left Waiting
The aircraft halted on the apron for about an hour while the crew worked to address the situation. The captain eventually informed the passengers over the loudspeaker about the baggage handler’s predicament. The news prompted a further delay, and after an hour of waiting, the aircraft remained grounded. Due to regulations regarding flight crew working hours, the decision was made to disembark all passengers around 20:22.
Passengers were kept in the terminal until 22:00, when they were allowed to board the aircraft again in hopes of finally departing for Moncton. Unfortunately, the situation did not improve. At approximately 23:00, passengers were notified that the Airbus A319-200 was now facing mechanical issues that required repairs before departure. By 23:15, the passengers were asked to deboard again, this time with the announcement that a replacement aircraft was being arranged.
As midnight approached, a new aircraft arrived at the gate, but by 01:50 the following day, the flight was officially cancelled. The airline arranged a replacement flight for later that day, finally allowing the delayed passengers to depart for Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) on December 14, approximately 24 hours after their original departure time.
A Close Call for Safety
Fortunately, the baggage handler remained in the cargo hold for the entirety of the ordeal and was not harmed. Had the flight taken off without resolving the issue, the consequences could have been dire. Being trapped in the cargo hold during flight could lead to exposure to extremely cold temperatures, low oxygen levels, and significant pressure changes, all of which pose severe health risks.
Air Canada operates year-round non-stop services from Toronto to Moncton, with additional competition in the route from Porter Airlines and upcoming flights from Flair Airlines starting in mid-2026. Moncton, the largest city in New Brunswick, serves as a central hub in the Canadian Maritimes and is a gateway to popular attractions like Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park.
In light of this incident, it is clear that safety protocols and communication are crucial in aviation operations. Passengers’ quick reporting of the unusual noises likely prevented a far more serious situation. The Airbus A319 involved is reported to have remained grounded following the incident for further investigation.
