In a startling turn of events, an Air Canada flight bound for Dubai from Toronto experienced a significant delay after a passenger unexpectedly opened a cabin door and fell onto the tarmac. The incident occurred on the evening of January 8, 2024, as the Boeing 777 was preparing for takeoff at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Unforeseen Crisis Leads to Major Disruption
During the boarding of flight AC056, a male passenger, who had boarded the aircraft normally, opened a cabin door on the opposite side of the aircraft instead of proceeding to his seat. This action resulted in him falling to the tarmac, causing him to sustain injuries. Emergency services and authorities were promptly summoned to the scene.
Air Canada confirmed that all standard boarding and cabin operating procedures were followed. The flight, which was set to transport 319 passengers, was delayed by nearly six hours due to the incident.
Response and Aftermath
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) collaborated with the airline, Peel Regional Police, and Peel EMS to address immediate needs and provide support. Peel police, who received a call about the incident around 9 p.m., determined that the individual was in a state of crisis at the time of the occurrence. He suffered minor injuries from the fall and was apprehended by officers before being transported to a local hospital for necessary treatment.
Peel paramedics confirmed that one patient was treated and taken to a trauma center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Air Canada is conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident, working to understand the circumstances leading to this unusual and disruptive event.
