MID-FLIGHT HORROR: Passenger’s attempt to open door forces All Nippon flight’s emergency landing

International

A TERRIFYING mid-flight incident that saw a passenger attempting to open one of the doors forced a Japanese flight traveling from Tokyo to Texas to make an emergency landing in Seattle on Saturday.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Flight 114 was diverted several hours after takeoff "due to an unruly passenger," the airline confirmed.

Port of Seattle police reported that the man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was "having a medical crisis" when he attempted to open the exit doors.

Flight attendants and fellow passengers quickly restrained the man before the plane landed safely. He was taken to a local hospital, but it remains unclear whether he will face charges.

"The safety of our passengers and crew are our top priority and we applaud the efforts of local law enforcement for their support," ANA said in a statement, as reported by BBC news.

While the plane was waiting on the tarmac at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, authorities removed another passenger for "unruly behavior." Despite the disruption, the flight continued to its original destination, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, where it arrived about four hours later than scheduled, at 12:40 p.m. local time (17:40 GMT).

This incident is part of a worrying trend in recent months.

In April, a Jetstar flight from Bali to Melbourne was forced to turn back after a passenger tried to open a door mid-flight. In November, an American Airlines passenger was restrained by fellow travelers with duct tape after attempting the same.

Similarly, in November 2023, an Asiana Airlines flight experienced a breach of security when a man opened an emergency exit door, causing breathing difficulties for nine passengers before landing at a South Korean airport.(MyTVCebu)