A baggage handler at Gatwick Airport has been suspended after being caught hurling suitcases from a Wizz Air aircraft.
The worker was filmed throwing luggage approximately 10ft from the plane with such force that the contents inside could have been damaged.
The shocking incident was captured on video by a passenger aboard another aircraft at the busy London airport.
Both Menzies, the handling company responsible for the employee, and Wizz Air have issued apologies to affected passengers.
Both Menzies, the handling company responsible for the employee, and Wizz Air have issued apologies to affected passengers
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The incident prompted swift action from Menzies management, who summoned the entire baggage crew for questioning.
The misconduct was not captured on the airport's CCTV system, initially making it difficult to identify the responsible individual.
Bosses were able to pinpoint the specific aircraft stand and flight involved in the incident.
The entire team was subsequently interrogated about the unacceptable handling of passengers' belongings.
The video evidence proved crucial in the investigation, as it clearly showed the handler's cavalier attitude towards customers' property.
Following the investigation, one worker was identified as the culprit and promptly escorted from the airport premises.
The individual now faces dismissal from their position with Menzies.
A source told The Sun: "The video has proved humiliating for Menzies. The ground handler was completely cavalier. Bosses could pinpoint the aircraft stand and flight, and grilled the entire team."
The incident occurred at Gatwick Airport
PA"It paints a terrible image of Menzies and Wizz Air. Action had to be taken."
Wizz Air, the Hungary-based budget airline, issued a statement regarding the incident.
"Wizz Air sincerely apologise for the treatment of passengers' luggage in a recent video.
"An investigation has been launched to ensure it does not happen again."
Both Wizz Air and Menzies described the baggage mishandling as an "isolated incident".