Several weeks ago we saw an incident whereby a man opened the emergency exit door of an Asiana Airbus A321 shortly before landing, and tried to jump out. Fortunately he ended up being stopped, no one was hurt, and the plane landed safely.
Well, another person has now tried to open the emergency exit door of an aircraft, though I really can’t with the level of stupidity displayed here (thanks to reader Ray for flagging this)…
Bangalore-bound Air France Airbus A330 has emergency exit scare
The Times of India has the story of how a 29-year-old was arrested by police over his behavior on an Air France flight from Paris (CDG) to Bangalore (BLR). This incident happened on July 15, 2023, and involves flight AF194, operated by an Airbus A330.
The man — who is a native of India but lives in the United States — was traveling to visit his aunt, connecting in Paris. According to the crew, the man attempted to open the emergency exit door mid-flight. This reportedly caused panic in the cabin.
Fortunately there was no safety risk, since an emergency exit door can’t be opened in the middle of the flight, due to the pressure difference between inside the cabin and outside. However, it’s of course still terrifying to see someone trying to act in this way.
The flight continued to Bangalore, where it landed safely. It’s worth noting that the flight didn’t divert — if this flight were on a US airline, I’d be willing to bet just about anything that there would have been a diversion.
The excuse the traveler provided to police
So, why would someone try to open the emergency exit of an aircraft? Here’s the explanation he reportedly provided to police:
“I was just checking the arming and disarming functions of the door”
Is this traveler an 11-month-old or a 29-year-old? Because our infant spends his days trying to inspect every electrical outlet and other danger in our home, and he’s also “just checking.” But I sure hope he grows out of this, because when you get older you’re supposed to learn that just because you’re curious about something doesn’t mean you should actually do it.
What’s next, trying to storm the cockpit door because you’re “just checking” how reinforced it really is? One has to wonder if this man was just very drunk, or if that made sense to him in a sober state?
Police met the flight when it landed in Bangalore. The man was detained, and after the crew filed a full report, the man was arrested for attempting to commit an act to endanger the life and safety of others. The man ended up being released on bail, and is now awaiting trial.
Bottom line
Please don’t try to open emergency exit inflight. And especially please don’t do it because you’re “just checking” the arming and disarming functions of a plane. Is that too much to ask?
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