Passenger opens plane's emergency exit door moments before take-off 'to get some fresh air'
The interruption delayed the flight for 40 minutes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man shocked airline crew and his fellow passengers by opening a plane's emergency exit door moments before take-off “to get some fresh air”,
The man opened the door of the China Southern flight at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in southwest China's Sichuan province, the People’s Daily Online reports.
The unnamed man, who was sat towards the back of the plane, allegedly told cabin crew he had opened the exit in order to “get some fresh air before the plane took off”, adding that the aircraft was too warm.
The interruption delayed flight CZ3693, bound for Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, for around 40 minutes.
The flight, which lasts around three and a half hours, was due to take-off at 9:55am, but did not end up departing until 10:52am.
A spokesman from Chendu Shangliu International Airport told the People's Daily the plane was near the security gate with 130 passengers on board.
He added that after the door was open, airport staff closed it from the outside and re-examined the plane before take-off.
Under China’s Aviation Law any individual who causes deliberate destruction that endangers flight safety or causes serious consequences can be held criminally liable.
Earlier this year a tourist was escorted from Jet Airways flight in Mumbai by security officials after allegedly opening an emergency exit door “just for fun”, seconds after landing.
The passenger purportedly explained his glib reasoning to the plane's cabin crew and was later taken to a local police station by security forces.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments