Passenger Opens Emergency Exit On Air Seoul Flight

On April 15, 2025, a chaotic scene unfolded at Jeju International Airport when a female passenger on an Air Seoul flight opened an emergency exit door, causing significant disruptions for passengers and crew alike. The incident occurred around 8:15 AM KST, as the Air Seoul RS902 flight, bound for Gimpo, was taxiing on the runway. Eyewitnesses reported that the passenger, feeling "stuffy," forcibly opened the emergency exit, which deployed the aircraft's emergency slide and rendered the plane immobile.

According to the Korean Airports Corporation, the aircraft was in motion along the taxiway when the emergency exit was opened. The sudden deployment of the slide led to the immediate grounding of the flight, which was carrying approximately 202 passengers. The aircraft was subsequently moved to a parking bay, and the passengers were disembarked to await alternative travel arrangements.

As a result of this incident, not only was the RS902 flight canceled, but the following flight, RS903 from Gimpo to Jeju, was also grounded, disrupting the schedules of multiple flights at the airport. This incident marks a troubling trend, as a similar occurrence took place in May 2023, when a passenger on an Asiana Airlines flight opened an emergency exit just before landing, leading to a three-year prison sentence and five years of probation for that individual.

In this recent case, the passenger's actions raised serious safety concerns. Witnesses described the chaotic moments that ensued once the emergency exit was opened. One passenger recalled, "We were about to take off when suddenly a woman opened the door of the moving aircraft." Another passenger expressed frustration at the delay, stating, "I boarded at 7:40 AM for an 8:00 AM departure, and now it’s 10:06 AM. Time is precious!"

Local authorities, including the Jeju District Aviation Administration and the National Intelligence Service, have launched an investigation into the incident to determine the precise circumstances that led to the passenger opening the emergency exit. The police reported that the woman, identified only as A, is in her early thirties and has a history of experiencing claustrophobia. During questioning, she stated, "I felt stuffy, so I opened the door." Authorities confirmed that she had previously received mental health treatment related to her condition.

Flight attendants acted quickly to restrain the passenger after she opened the door, and she was subsequently arrested and handed over to airport police. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers, but the incident has raised alarms about passenger safety and the need for stricter regulations regarding emergency exits on commercial flights.

The Air Seoul flight was grounded on the taxiway for about an hour before being towed to a parking area. Passengers were informed that they would need to find alternative flights to reach their destinations. The airline is cooperating with the ongoing investigation and plans to report the incident to the Aviation Accident Investigation Committee.

This incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in aviation. Passengers are reminded that emergency exits should only be opened in life-threatening situations, and tampering with them can lead to severe consequences. The airline industry is under constant scrutiny to ensure the safety of all passengers, and incidents like this can lead to stricter enforcement of regulations.

As the investigation continues, the Jeju International Airport remains vigilant in ensuring the safety of all flights. Airport officials are reviewing security measures and passenger protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. With the growing number of air travelers, maintaining safety and security in aviation is more crucial than ever.

In light of this incident, experts in aviation safety are calling for enhanced training for flight attendants and better communication with passengers regarding the serious implications of tampering with emergency exits. It is essential for passengers to understand that their actions can have far-reaching consequences, not just for themselves but for all those on board.

As the airline industry continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the challenges that still lie ahead. Ensuring passenger safety while accommodating the increasing demand for air travel will require ongoing collaboration between airlines, airport authorities, and regulatory bodies.

In conclusion, the events at Jeju International Airport on April 15 serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols in aviation. The investigation into the incident will likely lead to a reevaluation of policies regarding emergency exits and passenger conduct on flights, as the industry works to ensure the safety and comfort of all travelers.