'We could hear him begging for help!' Passenger jet heads towards runway with baggage handler TRAPPED in hold

Flight AC1502 was bound for Moncton, New Brunswick on December 13 - with the airline saying its cargo hold doors "inadvertently closed" with the ground crew member still inside.

Passengers aboard the aircraft reported hearing distressing sounds as the plane began moving towards the runway.

Travel blogger Stephanie Cure, one of those on board, recounted the ordeal.

"We had already started taxiing when a baggage crew member was under the aircraft in the cargo and could be heard yelling for help and banging underneath us," she said.

Ms Cure captured the moment on video as cabin crew addressed passengers about the unusual situation.

"I've never had that in my life," she said.

She continued: "First time, hopefully the first and last. But that's the reason we had to taxi - get that person out of the airplane.

"The good news is that the person is perfectly fine and safe."

Fellow passenger Gabrielle Caron told CBC that those seated near the back could also hear the cries for help.

She noticed flight attendants rushing through the cabin while ground staff gathered around the aircraft outside.

"We knew something was happening," Ms Caron said.

The plane returned to the gate once crew confirmed the worker was unharmed.

Aviation expert John Gradek told CBC the trapped worker was never in serious danger.

He explained there was no risk of hypothermia or suffocation inside the cargo hold.

Mr Gradek suggested investigators would likely examine whether the ground crew member was fully alert when the doors shut.

Air Canada confirmed the baggage handler emerged unharmed from the ordeal.

The carrier said it has since strengthened its procedures with ground crews following the incident.

Ms Caron reflected that she felt grateful everyone returned home safely, acknowledging the situation could have ended far worse.

Her flight to Moncton was ultimately cancelled that day.