Air Congo Passenger Jump Goes Viral After Airport Grounding

A shocking aviation safety incident involving Air Congo has captured global attention. Disturbing video shows passengers jumping from a Boeing 737-800 onto the tarmac at Kindu Airport. The event occurred after the flight arrived and no boarding stairs were provided.

Passengers were reportedly stuck inside the aircraft for hours. The situation highlights severe operational failures at a regional airport. According to Aerospace Global News, ground staff ultimately told people to jump.

Details of the Dangerous Deplaning

The flight originated from Kinshasa. Upon landing at Kindu Airport, the aircraft had no way for passengers to disembark normally. Available footage shows individuals handing luggage down before leaping from the door.

The drop was approximately three meters, or ten feet. Local police and airport staff watched the event unfold. No emergency slides were deployed during the entire ordeal.

This decision likely avoided major costs and further delays. Slide repacking is an expensive and time-consuming process. It can ground an aircraft for days, especially in remote locations.

A New Airline’s Major Setback

Air Congo is the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s new flagship carrier. It launched operations in December 2024 as a joint venture. The DRC government owns 51%, with Ethiopian Airlines holding the remaining 49% stake.

The aircraft involved was one of two Boeing 737-800s leased from Ethiopian Airlines. This incident represents a significant reputational blow for the nascent airline. It also raises serious questions about ground handling standards at Congolese airports.

Industry experts stress that such breaches are unacceptable. Passenger safety must never be compromised by logistical failures. The global aviation community is now scrutinizing the carrier’s operational protocols.

This Air Congo incident serves as a stark reminder of the infrastructure challenges facing some regional airlines. Passenger safety remains the non-negotiable cornerstone of modern air travel. The event will likely prompt urgent reviews of ground service agreements across the region.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Why didn’t the crew deploy the emergency slides?

Deploying slides incurs a high cost and would ground the plane. The inspection and repacking process can cost over $12,000 and take days, especially in a remote airport like Kindu where specialists aren’t available.

Q2: Who owns and operates Air Congo?

Air Congo is a joint venture between the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s government (51%) and Ethiopian Airlines (49%). It began flying in late 2024, operating leased Boeing 737-800s from its partner.

Q3: What has been the reaction to the video?

The viral footage has sparked international concern and condemnation from aviation safety experts. It highlights critical failures in ground handling and passenger welfare protocols at certain airports.

Q4: Could passengers have been injured from the jump?

Yes. Jumping from a height of 3-4 meters poses a serious risk of ankle, leg, or back injuries. The fact that luggage was thrown down first indicates an awareness of the danger involved.

Q5: What happens next for Air Congo?

The airline and aviation authorities in the DRC will likely face pressure to investigate and publish findings. They must demonstrate improved ground service agreements and contingency plans to restore confidence.