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

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.