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Incidents of passengers trying to open airplane doors midflight raise safety concerns

Incidents of passengers trying to open airplane doors midflight raise safety concerns
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All Nippon Airways | Wikipedia

A recent incident on a transpacific All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo Haneda to Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport highlighted ongoing concerns about passenger behavior. On May 24, an unruly passenger attempted to open a door on flight 114, prompting the aircraft to divert to Seattle-Tacoma Airport. The individual was restrained by passengers and crew due to a medical emergency and taken for evaluation upon arrival in Seattle before the plane continued its journey.

This incident is not isolated. Similar events have occurred over the years, often involving narrowbody twinjets. In May 2019, Fuzhou Airlines Flight 6509 experienced a similar situation when a passenger tried to open the jet's door shortly before landing in Kunming after being denied communication with his family.

In another instance in May 2024, an easyJet passenger attempted to open an aircraft's door while intoxicated during a flight from London Gatwick to Alicante. The individual was arrested upon arrival in Spain after being restrained by fellow passengers and crew.

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North America has also seen such incidents. In July 2024, American Airlines Flight 2101 diverted to Salt Lake City after a passenger assaulted crew members and attempted to open a door mid-flight. Later that year, American Airlines Flight 1915 dealt with another unruly passenger who had to be restrained using duct tape but did not require diversion.

Most recently, in April 2025, Frontier Airlines Flight 4626 returned to Denver International Airport after an onboard scuffle with a passenger attempting to open the plane's door. Despite these alarming occurrences, no emergency squawk code was issued as the situation was quickly controlled.

"American Airlines released a statement thanking its 'team members and customers for managing a difficult situation.'"

These incidents reflect broader trends of post-COVID increases in inflight disturbances, underscoring airlines' challenges in maintaining safety amid rising travel demand.

Organizations Included in this History
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