Air Canada Flight Returns After Baggage Handler Found in Cargo Hold as Investigation Begins

Overview

• Air Canada Rouge flight AC1502 from Toronto to Moncton on Dec. 13 aborted taxi and returned to the gate after a ground crew member was discovered in the cargo hold.
• Passengers reported loud banging and screams from beneath the cabin, prompting crew to alert the pilot; a recorded announcement captured the captain confirming the worker was safe.
• The worker was freed without injury, but the service faced hours of disruption and the flight was ultimately canceled that day, according to passenger accounts.
• Air Canada confirmed the cargo doors were inadvertently closed with a crew member inside and said it has reinforced ground-crew procedures following the incident.
• Video shared by passengers in early January drew wider attention, and media report the incident is under active review as experts note the hold is not intended for people despite limited immediate physiological risk.