TORONTO, ON – A passenger on an Air Canada flight unexpectedly opened an aircraft door and fell onto the tarmac. This triggered a nearly six-hour delay on a flight bound for Dubai. First responders came to the scene around 9 p.m. on Monday at the Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The man incurred minor injuries from the fall and was promptly taken to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities stated that the man was going through a “state of crisis” at the time of the incident. He was later transferred to the custody of the Peel Regional Police.
Air Canada revealed that the man managed to board flight AC056. Rather than proceeding to his designated seat, he moved to the opposite side of the aircraft and opened the cabin door. This action readily attracted the attention of emergency services, who immediately stepped in to assist.
The airline went on to ensure that all approved boarding and cabin operating procedures were strictly adhered to as the incident unfolded, and investigations are still ongoing. The Boeing 777 aircraft was preparing for takeoff when the event transpired.
Toronto Pearson International Airport officials are in communication with the airline, police, and emergency services to determine the immediate needs and potential impact following the incident.
The delayed flight, initially planned to carry 319 passengers, eventually departed just under six hours after its scheduled takeoff time, as per Air Canada’s flight tracker.