Passenger Detained After Opening Emergency Exit on Taxiing Flight at Chennai Airport

A passenger was detained after allegedly opening an emergency exit door of an Air Arabia flight while the aircraft was taxiing at Chennai International Airport early Sunday morning.

According to officials, the flight had arrived from Sharjah at around 3:50 am carrying 231 passengers. While the aircraft was moving on the taxiway towards the terminal, a 34-year-old passenger from Pudukkottai reportedly opened one of the emergency exit doors, creating panic among passengers and crew members.

The pilot immediately halted the aircraft in the taxi parking area and informed airport authorities about the security breach. Soon after, personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force, along with bomb disposal squad members and security officers, rushed to the spot and boarded the aircraft.

The passenger was taken into custody and is being questioned by authorities. Officials are also examining his mental condition and motive behind the act.

Due to the incident, the aircraft remained stationed for some time, leading to operational disruption at the airport. The return Air Arabia flight scheduled to depart for Sharjah at 6:50 am was delayed by nearly three hours. Airport authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the matter.