Overview

• The newly published AAIB report confirms a senior TUI flight attendant fell on December 16, 2024, when mobile steps were pushed away while the cabin door remained open.
• Investigators found a long‑standing workaround in which a dispatcher, not qualified for the task, completed door‑closure duties, leaving responsibilities unclear.
• Four ramp staff and three dispatchers were on the stand, with one dispatcher still at the top of the steps and able to hold a side rail as the injured crew member fell and sustained multiple fractures.
• Post‑accident actions by the ground handling company include a safety alert limiting step interaction to qualified ramp staff, prohibiting dispatchers from adjusting stabilisers or side rails, and requiring dispatcher attendance at ramp briefings.
• East Midlands Airport said stair management is the ground handler’s responsibility, noted ATC initiated a Fire Service response that was graded lower due to limited visibility from the tower, and stated it supported the AAIB inquiry.