An Air Canada Rouge flight from Toronto to Moncton was forced to return to the gate after passengers and crew heard screams and banging coming from the aircraft’s cargo hold during taxiing, triggering a major safety response and an eventual overnight cancellation.
The incident involved Air Canada Rouge flight AC1502, scheduled to operate from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport on December 13, 2025.
Passenger alert prevents tragedy
The Airbus A321 aircraft had already been delayed by nearly five hours when, during taxiing for departure, several passengers reported hearing loud banging and screams from below the cabin floor. They immediately alerted cabin crew, with some reportedly calling emergency services out of concern.
The flight crew halted taxi operations and returned the aircraft to the gate. Ground staff subsequently discovered that a baggage handler had been accidentally trapped inside the cargo hold before it was sealed. The individual was safely removed and was not injured, according to the pilot’s announcement to passengers.
Delays spiral into cancellation
Although the immediate danger was resolved, the disruption continued. Passengers were later asked to deplane due to crew duty-time limitations, necessitating a crew change. Boarding resumed late in the evening, but a further mechanical issue was reported around 11 pm.
A replacement aircraft was sourced after midnight, but the flight was ultimately cancelled shortly after 1 am, leaving passengers stranded after nearly 11 hours at the airport.
Safety concerns raised
Aviation experts note that while cargo holds are pressurised during flight, they are not designed for human occupancy and can become dangerously cold. Strict ground-handling protocols exist to prevent such incidents, including physical checks before cargo doors are closed.
The episode has raised serious questions about adherence to safety procedures, even as industry officials stress that such incidents are extremely rare.
Air Canada has not yet issued a detailed public statement on the lapse, but the incident has renewed focus on ground safety practices across busy international airports.