21-6-2023 (SEOUL) A 19-year-old Korean man was lassoed and restrained after attempting to open a plane door mid-flight. The passenger, who has yet to be publicly identified, began panicking about an hour after takeoff from the Philippines aboard a Jeju Airlines flight to Seoul, South Korea. He complained about pressure on his chest and subsequently charged towards the emergency door and tried to open it.
Jeju officials stated that the flight crew moved the man to the front row to keep an eye on him. However, the passenger persisted, prompting the crew to subdue him immediately. The airline said in a statement that the crew used a lasso rope and tie wraps to keep him under control for the rest of the flight. Fortunately, no passenger or airplane equipment was harmed during the incident.
Once the plane landed at Seoul’s Incheon Airport on Monday morning, the man was handed over to the police. Incheon Airport Police confirmed that the man was taken in for questioning but did not provide any additional details on the arrest or a possible motive.
This incident comes less than a month after another South Korean flight’s passenger managed to open the emergency door, sparking chaos and panic. The 33-year-old man who opened the door, identified only as Lee, told police he was “uncomfortable” and “wanted to get off the plane quickly.” The terrifying incident occurred as the plane was preparing to land but still 700 feet in the air, with video showing the 194 passengers on board screaming as the wind rushed in. Nine people were taken to a local hospital for examination, and all were later released.
The suspect was charged with violating aviation security laws, which carries up to 10 years in prison. Airlines take such incidents seriously and have strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of all passengers on board.
