An Air Canada flight was dramatically forced to abort its takeoff and return to the gate after passengers reported hearing desperate shouts and banging from the aircraft's luggage hold, where a ground handler had become trapped.
Panic in the Cabin as Noises Erupt
The incident occurred on Friday 13 December 2025 aboard Air Canada Rouge flight AC1502 from Toronto to Moncton. The plane, operated by Air Canada's low-cost subsidiary, was already taxiing towards the runway when passengers seated at the rear heard loud, unexplained noises coming from beneath the cabin floor.
Passenger Gabrielle Caron recounted the scene to CBC, stating that the commotion prompted one alarmed individual to even call emergency services. "The flight attendants were running back and forth," Ms Caron recalled after the banging and shouting was reported to the cabin crew.
Pilot's Announcement and Rescue Operation
In a video shared on social media platform X, the captain can be heard addressing the passengers, explaining the reason for the delay on what was supposed to be a 90-minute flight. "I've never had that in my life. First time, hopefully, first and last," the pilot said.
He confirmed the aircraft had to return to the gate to "get that person out of the airplane," assuring everyone that the handler was "perfectly fine and safe." The pilot apologised for the disruption and mentioned a further delay to handle necessary paperwork before they could continue to Moncton.
Upon returning to the terminal, the trapped crew member was successfully rescued from the cargo hold. Eyewitnesses reported seeing ground crew gathering urgently around the aircraft.
Airline Investigation and Safety Review
In a statement to The Independent, Air Canada confirmed the extraordinary event. "On flight AC1502 on December 13, 2025, the aircraft cargo doors were inadvertently closed while a member of the ground crew was inside," the airline said.
The carrier emphasised that there were no injuries but acknowledged the serious safety implications. "We have reinforced our procedures with our ground crews," the statement continued. Air Canada also told CBC that a full investigation is underway to determine exactly how the ground handler became locked inside the cargo compartment.
This startling event highlights critical procedural checks in aviation ground operations, prompting an internal safety review by the airline to prevent any future recurrence.
