A Guatemala-bound flight from Mexico City faced an unusual twist when a passenger, frustrated by a lengthy delay and hot weather, opened the emergency door and walked onto the wing.
The Aeromexico flight, scheduled to depart at 8:30 am, was grounded on the tarmac for three hours due to a maintenance issue. With no air conditioning or water available, tempers flared high among passengers.
In a dramatic turn of events, one unidentified passenger took matters in his own hands, opening the emergency door and stepping onto the wing to register his protest. While the Mexico International Airport authorities confirmed no harm was caused, the man was detained by police.
The airport said in a statement, “Yesterday a passenger on a flight to Guatemala opened an emergency door on a plane while it was stationary at a remote position, stood on a wing, and then re-entered the cabin, without affecting the aircraft or anyone else.” The statement added that in line with international security regulations, this person turned himself over to the authorities.
Los pasajeros del vuelo 672 de Aeromexico fueron retenidos durante 4 horas, sin acceso a agua y con poca ventilacion, un pasajero abrió una puerta de emergencia y se paro sobre el ala del avion,La Guardia Nacional lo arrestro. pic.twitter.com/dJAO2wN7ds
— CapiSúperGirl (@CapiSuperGirl) January 27, 2024
However, dozens of passengers signed a written statement protesting the airport’s decision to turn the man over to the authorities. At least 77 passengers onboard the aircraft signed the statement demanding the passenger’s immediate release. They said the man’s outburst was ”to protect everyone, with the support of everyone.”
“He saved our lives,” the note declared, emphasizing the dangerous conditions caused by the delay and lack of air. The passengers expressed their support for the man’s actions, arguing they were taken for everyone’s protection.
A report on the incident said that a change of plane had become necessary after the passenger’s dramatic move. It was not clear whether the man was still in custody, or what charges he may face.