Air Canada Passenger Falls From Plane After Opening Door Before Takeoff

An Air Canada jet taxis at the airport in Vancouver, B.C., on Nov. 15, 2023. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

A passenger fell from a Boeing 777 while it was on the tarmac at Toronto Pearson International Airport, sustaining injuries after opening the cabin door before takeoff on Jan. 8.

The occurrence took place during the boarding of flight AC056, an Air Canada flight destined for Dubai from Toronto, as first reported by Global News.

The passenger, who had initially boarded without issue, opened a door on the aircraft’s opposite side while the plane was still at the gate, leading to an unexpected fall onto the tarmac. The event necessitated the intervention of emergency services and authorities.

The incident caused a significant delay for the flight, nearly six hours, which was set to transport 319 passengers.

Air Canada has said that all standard boarding and cabin procedures were adhered to at the time of the incident. The airline is actively investigating the matter.

The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) spokesperson also acknowledged the incident, noting the GTAA’s collaboration with Air Canada, Peel Regional Police, and Peel EMS to provide support and assess the situation.

Peel police, who were alerted to the incident around 9 p.m., discovered upon investigation that the individual was undergoing a “crisis” at the time, Media Relations Officer Cst. Sarah Patten told The Epoch Times. Cst. Patten said she could not elaborate on the nature of the crisis due to privacy issues.

The passenger sustained minor injuries from the fall. Following the incident, the individual was taken into custody by police and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Peel paramedics treated the passenger and transported him to a trauma center, confirming that the injuries were not life-threatening.

Air Canada is continuing to delve into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

It’s not the first time a passenger has opened the door of a commercial aircraft. In late May, a man was arrested after he opened the emergency door of an Asiana Airlines plane just before it landed in Seoul, South Korea, reported CNN.

The incident occurred on a flight approaching Daegu, causing panic among passengers as wind rushed through the cabin. The man, in his 30s and seated at the emergency exit, claimed he felt suffocated and wanted to disembark quickly.

He opened the door when the plane was approximately 700 feet above ground and minutes from landing. Despite this, the plane landed safely.

Local police detained the man at Daegu airport, who revealed he had recently lost his job and was under significant stress, leading to his desperate action.