During the boarding process of Air Canada’s flight AC056 from Toronto to Dubai, a passenger, who had initially boarded the aircraft normally, opened a cabin door on the opposite side of the Boeing 777 while it was still on the tarmac at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Instead of proceeding to their assigned seat, the passenger accidentally fell onto the tarmac, sustaining injuries. Emergency services were immediately summoned to the scene.
The incident, which occurred during the preparations for takeoff, led to significant delays for the flight, originally scheduled to carry 319 passengers. According to Air Canada’s official statement, all approved boarding and cabin operating procedures were followed. However, due to the unforeseen circumstances, the departure was delayed by nearly six hours.
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) collaborated with the airline, Peel Regional Police, and Peel EMS to address the situation and provide necessary support. Peel police received a call about the incident around 9 p.m. and, after investigation, determined that the individual was in a state of crisis when the incident unfolded. Fortunately, the passenger suffered minor injuries from the fall and was promptly apprehended by officers. The individual was then taken to a local hospital for necessary treatment, with Peel paramedics confirming non-life-threatening injuries.
Air Canada emphasized its commitment to investigating the incident further. The airline’s thorough examination will likely focus on preventing similar occurrences in the future and ensuring the adherence to safety protocols during the boarding process.
