Tension gripped Chennai International Airport on Sunday (May 3) morning after a passenger allegedly jumped after opening an emergency exit door while an aircraft was taxiing, triggering an immediate security response and halting operations briefly. The incident took place on an Air Arabia flight that had arrived in Chennai from Sharjah with 231 passengers on board. As the aircraft was moving along the taxiway, a 34-year-old male passenger from Pudukkottai allegedly opened one of the emergency exit doors.
The pilot reacted swiftly, bringing the aircraft to an immediate halt and alerting airport authorities. The situation caused panic among passengers for a brief period as safety protocols were activated.
Central Industrial Security Force personnel, including bomb disposal experts and armed officers, rushed to the aircraft’s location following the alert. Security teams boarded the plane and took the passenger into custody after the pilot lodged a formal complaint.
Officials said the accused is currently being questioned, and his mental condition is also being assessed as part of the investigation.
Authorities are examining how the passenger was able to access and operate the emergency exit during taxiing, even as security measures at the airport come under scrutiny following the incident.
