An airport baggage handler nearly lost both legs to frostbite after being trapped inside an aircraft’s cargo hold for an hour in -25C conditions.
Ali Celikten was loading a Turkish Airlines plane at Istanbul Airport when he climbed into the luggage storage area to secure passengers’ bags.
But with colleagues failing to realise the 29-year-old was still inside the jet, the hatches were closed and engines were switched on.
Celikten banged on the cargo’s door and cried for help as the Airbus A321-200 prepared for take-off.
However, no one could hear Celikten scream from the whir of the engine and Flight THY1843 began its 350-mile journey towards Athens.
With the aircraft reaching its cruising altitude of 36,000 ft, the temperature inside the cargo dropped significantly to -25C (-13F).
Celikten desperately battled to survive the freezing cold by searching through suitcases for warm clothing.
Back at Istanbul Airport, no one had noticed Celikten’s absence, assuming he was taking a break from work.
Yet staff could not find Celikten in the area, so they reviewed CCTV footage which captured the moment Celikten entered the cargo hold.
Air traffic controllers were immediately notified of the incident and the Turkish Airlines flight was diverted to Izmir, Turkey, an hour into the journey.
Paramedics later discovered Celikten in the cargo hold with frostbite and severe hypothermia.
German newspaper Bild reported that Celikten almost lost his legs in the ordeal.
Recounting his experience, Celikten revealed he has sued his “forgetful” colleagues.
“I was trapped in an airtight, ice-cold room,” he said. “I couldn't do anything except cry. Now I'm receiving psychological support and have lost my job.”
Celikten continues to receive medical treatment for the severe effects of exposure, including the narrowing of blood vessels in his brain caused by the unpressurised cargo hold.
He rejected allegations that he had intentionally stayed on the plane.
Celikten added: “Some say I wanted to leave illegally. But no one would voluntarily endure even a minute under these conditions.”
The Standard has contacted Istanbul Airport and Turkish Airlines for comment.
