Baggage handler falls asleep in IndiGo jet cargo hold, wakes up in Abu Dhabi

A baggage handler from Mumbai, India fell asleep in the cargo hold of an IndiGo Airbus A320 jet.  

The handler, who didn’t wake up until after take-off, ended up taking an impromptu flight to Abu Dhabi. 

The unexpected passenger was noticed by authorities when the aircraft arrived at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) on December 12, 2021.  

Before the departure of flight 6E1835 from Mumbai (BOM) to Abu Dhabi (AUH), the baggage handler had been working in the plane cargo compartment, and, once he had finished, he fell asleep. The worker only woke up after take-off and spent around 1.5 hours of the flight in the cargo hold of the A320 jet.  

According to India Today, once the man was found by local officials at AUH airport, he underwent a medical examination. He was deemed in good health and flown back to Mumbai as a standard passenger later the same day. 

IndiGo confirmed to India Today that it was aware of the incident and was currently carrying out an investigation. The Indian carrier also stated that, due to the ongoing investigation, the staff member involved had been temporarily suspended from duties.  

"We are aware of the incident and the requisite authorities have been informed. The matter is under investigation," an IndiGo spokesperson was quoted by Indian media.