Passengers Hear Disturbing Screams From Cargo Hold on Taxiing Air Canada Flight
TORONTO, Ontario — Passengers aboard an Air Canada flight preparing for takeoff at Toronto Pearson International Airport were left shaken after muffled screams and banging noises suddenly echoed from beneath the cabin. The unsettling incident occurred on December 13, 2025, moments before Air Canada Flight 1502 was set to depart for Moncton, New Brunswick, with 184 passengers on board.
According to reports from CBC News, a ground crew member became inadvertently trapped inside the plane’s cargo hold after the doors closed behind him. The crew member’s frantic attempts to alert those inside the cabin were heard by passengers as muffled screams and banging, creating a wave of confusion and alarm throughout the aircraft.
The Airbus flight was taxiing toward the runway when the distressing sounds emerged from the rear of the plane. Passengers described the experience as terrifying and bewildering, with some initially unsure of the source of the noises. The flight was promptly halted and ultimately canceled after the trapped individual was safely rescued.
Toronto Pearson International Airport, one of the busiest airports in North America, follows strict safety protocols overseen by Transport Canada, the federal agency responsible for civil aviation safety. Incidents involving ground crew personnel are rare but highlight the critical importance of rigorous pre-flight checks. The Transport Canada Civil Aviation division mandates thorough inspections of aircraft cargo compartments prior to departure to prevent such occurrences.
Air Canada, Canada’s largest airline, issued a statement confirming the incident and expressing regret for the distress caused to passengers. The airline emphasized that the safety of both passengers and crew remains its highest priority and that a full investigation is underway to understand how the ground crew member became trapped.
Experts note that cargo holds on commercial aircraft are typically secured and inaccessible during flight for safety reasons, but ground crew members sometimes enter these compartments during loading and unloading operations. The inadvertent closure of cargo doors is an extremely uncommon event, and airports maintain emergency procedures to address such situations swiftly.
The incident drew attention to aviation safety measures and the coordination required between ground staff and flight crews. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and Transport Canada often collaborate on best practices to ensure incidents like this are minimized.
Passengers affected by the canceled flight were rebooked on subsequent flights, though many recounted the unsettling experience to media outlets. The episode serves as a reminder of the complex logistics involved in air travel and the importance of vigilance at every stage of the boarding and departure process.
For more information on aviation safety standards and passenger rights, travelers can refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection resources, which provide guidance on how airlines handle unexpected delays and cancellations.
As investigations continue, Air Canada and airport authorities reaffirm their commitment to safety and transparency, aiming to prevent any recurrence of such a distressing event.
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