Passengers aboard an Air Canada Rouge flight experienced significant delays and a tense situation just before Christmas due to an unexpected event in the baggage hold. On December 13, as the A319 prepared for departure from Toronto Pearson Airport, passengers were alarmed by thumping and screaming noises. The commotion escalated when a baggage handler emerged from the hold two hours later after the aircraft had halted on the taxiway, prompting authorities to investigate the situation thoroughly.
Unfortunately, the delays were just beginning. The ramp hold had caused the flight crew to exceed their allowable duty hours, necessitating the assignment of a new crew. They arrived a couple of hours later, but complications arose when another issue was identified on the aircraft. While a replacement plane was dispatched and reached the gate, the flight was ultimately canceled around 2 a.m. after a grueling 12-hour wait.
This incident raises questions about safety protocols and operational oversight concerning personnel in baggage holds. Air Canada Rouge has yet to disclose how the baggage handler was unintentionally left in the hold during the flight preparations.
Despite the distressing experience for passengers, it is encouraging that the airline prioritized safety and took necessary precautions before allowing the flight to continue. Passengers eventually departed for Moncton, New Brunswick the following afternoon, bringing an end to their ordeal. This situation reflects the importance of effective communication and safety measures in the aviation industry, ensuring that such incidents are addressed promptly and do not recur in the future.