A baggage handler has been suspended after a video surfaced showing him throwing passengers’ suitcases, prompting an investigation by Menzies and a statement from Wizz Air.
A baggage handler at Gatwick Airport has been suspended after being filmed throwing suitcases from a Wizz Air aircraft, leading to potential damage to passengers’ belongings. The incident occurred recently and was captured on video by a passenger on a neighbouring plane, who recorded at least seven suitcases being tossed from a height, before they landed on a conveyor belt and were loaded onto a luggage cart.
The handling crew was summoned by Menzies, the company that employed the baggage handlers, to identify the individual responsible. According to reports, the specific actions of the handler were not observable on CCTV, but staff members collectively pointed out the worker in question, who has since admitted fault. The decision to suspend the employee was made in light of the incident, pending a thorough investigation.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Menzies emphasised that the behaviour exhibited by the handler does not align with the company’s standards, asserting a “zero tolerance for this type of behaviour.” They confirmed that appropriate action would be taken against the handler and reiterated their commitment to maintaining high-quality aviation services.
Wizz Air also responded to the situation, releasing a statement in which they apologised for the handling of passengers’ luggage and assured that such behaviour is not accepted. The airline clarified that the baggage handlers involved are not direct employees but rather subcontracted staff from their contracted service provider. They assured passengers that the individual had a clean record with airport authorities prior to this incident and emphasised that this situation is considered isolated, stating measures would be put in place to prevent recurrence.
The video has gained attention online, with many users expressing disbelief and criticism of the actions demonstrated by the baggage handler. One user commented on social media that the worker “should be sacked for that,” while another jokingly remarked on the efficiency of the approach, saying, “This is the quickest way of doing it if you want your bags quick.”
Both Wizz Air and Menzies have been vocal about their commitment to upholding standards and treating passengers’ property with respect, and they are working to ensure that such incidents do not tarnish their reputations further.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.tiktok.com/@thesun/video/7483060666094456086 – This TikTok video shows a baggage handler hurling suitcases, corroborating the incident at Gatwick Airport involving a Wizz Air flight. The video highlights the physical act of throwing luggage.
- https://ground.news/article/gatwick-baggage-handler-filmed-hurling-suitcases-like-missiles-from-jet – This article provides details about the incident, including the force with which the suitcases were thrown and the potential damage to passengers’ belongings. It also mentions the suspension of the baggage handler.
- https://www.chichester.co.uk/business/consumer/london-gatwick-baggage-handler-filmed-hurling-suitcases-out-of-the-hold-of-a-plane-does-not-represent-our-standards-says-menzies-5038451 – Menzies, the company employing the baggage handlers, emphasizes a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for such behavior, supporting the claim that the company does not condone the actions of the handler.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This source is mentioned as the original article’s source, though it does not directly provide additional corroboration beyond the original text.
- https://www.wizzair.com/en-gb/information/about-us/press – While not directly linked to the incident, Wizz Air’s press section could contain statements or releases related to their response to the situation, such as apologizing for the handling of passengers’ luggage.
- https://www.menziesaviation.com/news – Menzies Aviation’s news section might include statements or press releases regarding their response to the incident, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining high-quality services.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The incident is described as recent, and there is no indication that it is old or recycled news. The narrative does not reference outdated information or events that have been previously covered extensively.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
There are no direct quotes from specific individuals that can be verified against earlier sources. However, the narrative includes statements from company spokespersons, which are typical in such situations.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a well-known publication. However, the reliability can vary depending on the specific topic and sources used within the narrative.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the incident are plausible given the context of airport operations and previous instances of misconduct by baggage handlers. The involvement of companies like Menzies and Wizz Air adds credibility to the narrative.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh and plausible, with a reliable source. While there are no direct quotes to verify, the statements from company spokespersons are consistent with typical responses in such incidents.
