I am not sure if I should be surprised that this happened, or if I should be surprised that this doesn't happen more often.
The IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi carried one more passenger than expected. The baggage handler fell asleep while the bags were being loaded.
He was not noticed by his colleagues because the plane was sent on its way with him in the hold, and he only woke up after the flight had taken off. He was found when he arrived in Abu Dhabi. The traveler was subjected to a medical examination. He was sent back to Mumbai as a passenger after being found to be in good health.
The person who inadvertently ended up on the flight to Abu Dhabi has been put on leave by India'sDGCA while they investigate the incident.
What is the process in place to prevent this?
I am not the only one who is curious about this, and OMAAT readers know everything.
On the other hand, I think it would be pointless to have a procedure in place to make sure no one falls asleep in a cargo hold, since it doesn't seem like the most relaxing place to take a nap. That probably reflects my own challenges sleeping in anything other than a bed in a dark room with the right temperature. I am jealous that some people can conk out anywhere.
This isn't the first time that we've seen the door closed on a ramper inside the cargo hold, so does anyone know what processes are in place to prevent this?
Is there a way to make sure everyone is off the plane when the cargo hold is done loading?
Someone is supposed to go into the cargo hold to make sure no one is left behind.
Do they just hope for the best, and assume that no one could possibly fall asleep and not wake up until after the door closes?
The bottom line.
An airport baggage handler fell asleep in the cargo hold of an IndiGo plane on Sunday. He flew all the way to the U.S. after waking up after the plane took off, because there was no way to get in touch with anyone.
He was put on the next flight back to Mumbai after he had a health check and was in good condition. The incident is being investigated.
I would love to learn more about how this is possible.
