An Air Canada Rouge flight experienced significant delays on December 13, 2023, when a baggage handler became trapped in the cargo hold of the Airbus A319 before takeoff. The incident occurred as flight AC1502 was preparing to depart from Toronto, Ontario, to Moncton, New Brunswick.
The aircraft began to taxi around 14:00 local time, but passengers soon reported hearing banging and screaming from the cargo area. After the pilot was alerted, the plane came to a halt on the apron. Passengers remained on board for nearly an hour before the captain addressed the situation over the intercom, revealing that a baggage handler was trapped in the hold.
Incident Details and Passenger Experience
Originally scheduled to depart at 14:00 and arrive in Moncton at 17:03, the flight had already faced delays, with boarding only commencing around 18:30. The aircraft remained stationary for an extended period while the crew addressed the alarming situation. Passengers reported a growing sense of unease as they waited for updates.
Eventually, the plane was held on the ground for an additional hour, during which time the baggage handler was safely retrieved. Following this, the flight faced further complications as the pilots had exceeded their permitted working hours, necessitating a complete disembarkation of passengers by 20:22.
Once off the aircraft, passengers were instructed to stay in the terminal until 22:00, when they were to board again. Unfortunately, the saga continued as the Airbus A319 began experiencing mechanical issues during this second attempt to depart.
By 23:00, passengers were informed that the aircraft required repairs before it could take off. At 23:15, they were once again asked to leave the plane, with updates indicating that a replacement aircraft was en route.
Flight Cancellation and Final Rescheduling
As midnight approached, a replacement aircraft arrived at the gate at 23:50. However, by 01:50 on December 14, passengers were still waiting in the terminal, leading to the official cancellation of the flight.
Air Canada arranged a replacement flight for later that day, ultimately allowing the delayed passengers to depart for Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) approximately 24 hours after their original scheduled flight.
Fortunately, the baggage handler remained safe during the entire ordeal, as they had been retrieved before the flight took off. Had the aircraft become airborne with the individual still in the hold, the consequences could have been dire due to the extreme conditions encountered at high altitude, including low temperatures and reduced oxygen levels.
Air Canada operates regular services between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Moncton, competing with other airlines such as Porter Airlines and, starting in mid-2026, Flair Airlines. The region, known for attractions like Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, is a key destination within the Canadian Maritimes.
The Airbus A319 involved in the incident is reported to be undamaged but has remained grounded since December 13, pending further inspection and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event.
