Man detained for trying to open emergency exit on flight

A man who attempted to open the emergency exit during the descent of a flight on Friday has been detained, local media reported.

The incident occurred on Juneyao Airlines flight HO1338, traveling from Kansai International Airport near Osaka, Japan, to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The suspect, surnamed Zhou, allegedly attempted to open the emergency exit during the descent process, as reported by the Shanghai-based media outlet Knews, citing sources from Pudong's airport police department.

Quick response from onboard security guards and cabin crew prevented any disruption to the flight. The man has been detained and may face criminal charges.

Although modern civil airplanes are pressurized during flights, pressure differences can occur during descent. Lawyer Hu Lei, who specializes in civil aviation-related laws, explained that the exit could potentially be opened if subjected to significant force during descent. Such an event would lead to discomfort for passengers and the possible deployment of emergency slides, jeopardizing the safety of the aircraft.

In a similar incident in May, an exit on an Asiana Airlines flight from Jeju to Daegu in South Korea was opened by a passenger before landing, causing strong winds in the cabin and respiratory issues for multiple passengers, leading to hospitalization.

Hu noted that such actions may result in civil liabilities if airlines decide to press charges. In more severe cases with significant consequences, individuals could face criminal charges for endangering public security through dangerous means.