Passenger Causes Mid-Air Scare: Japan Plane Diverted After Attempted Door Opening

A flight from Tokyo to Texas made an unexpected emergency landing in Seattle after a passenger tried to open one of the aircraft’s doors. All Nippon Airways (ANA) Flight 114 was forced to divert due to this incident, which was described as involving an “unruly passenger.”

Port of Seattle police reported that the man, who has not been named, was experiencing a medical crisis during the flight. Other passengers and the flight crew had to restrain him. After the plane landed, he was taken to a hospital, but it’s unclear if he will face charges.

ANA stressed that passenger and crew safety is their top priority and thanked local law enforcement for their support. While the flight was on the tarmac, another passenger was removed for unruly behavior.

Eventually, the flight arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport about four hours later than planned.

This event is part of a troubling trend. For instance, in April, a Jetstar flight returning to Bali had to turn around when a passenger attempted to open a door mid-flight. Just last November, another incident occurred where a man tried to open an American Airlines door, and passengers restrained him using duct tape. More recently in November 2023, an Asiana Airlines flight saw nine passengers hospitalized after a man successfully opened an emergency door before landing in South Korea.

Experts point out that the rise in such incidents may relate to increased stress and anxiety among travelers post-pandemic. According to a recent survey by the International Air Transport Association, 43% of respondents reported feeling more anxious about flying now than before COVID-19.

This recent spate of alarming incidents raises concerns about the safety and well-being of passengers. It highlights not only the importance of mental health support during travel but also a need for airlines to enhance preventive measures to avoid similar situations in the future.



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