SEATTLE— The Alaska Airlines (AS) passenger experiencing anxiety exited through the emergency wing exit door upon arrival at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on Sunday (December 23, 2024).
The incident occurred after Alaska Airlines Flight AS323 from Milwaukee had reached Gate N9.
Alaska Airline Passenger Emergency Door Incident
The passenger accessed the wing through the emergency exit as other travelers began standard deplaning procedures, reported Kiro 7 News.
Port of Seattle emergency teams responded at 5:02 PM, with fire personnel and crisis intervention specialists assisting the passenger from the wing to the terminal ramp.
Port authorities transported the individual to a hospital for evaluation following the incident. No injuries resulted from the unauthorized exit, and airport operations continued without disruption.
The flight was operated by a 7.1-year-old Boeing 737-900, registered as N282AK.
Alaska Airlines acknowledged the “disruptive” incident, stating they are investigating the details with their crew and airport officials. The airline expressed gratitude to their staff for their rapid response and apologized to affected passengers.
This incident occurred at Gate N9 after a routine flight from Milwaukee to Seattle. According to eyewitness accounts and official statements from both the Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines, the situation was resolved safely with minimal impact on airport operations.
Similar Incidents
A similar incident occurred on an Asiana Airlines flight approaching Daegu, South Korea, where a passenger successfully opened the emergency door at 700 feet altitude.
The passenger, a man in his 30s, opened the door two minutes before landing, causing intense wind to surge through the cabin. He later told police he felt suffocated and needed to exit quickly. Video footage showed passengers gripping their armrests as the wind whipped through the cabin.
Another incident unfolded on an IndiGo Airlines (6E) flight from Hyderabad to Delhi when Furoqon Hussain, 40, attempted to open the emergency exit during takeoff on July 8, 2023. The flight crew intervened immediately, securing the door cover and relocating Hussain from seat 18A to ensure flight safety.
S. S. Panesar, former Director of Flight Safety at Indian Airlines, explained that emergency exit doors feature protective covers to prevent accidental opening from cabin pressure. “If the cover is removed, then the handle is barely open and it can open mid-air due to any reason and it is hazardous for the aircraft,” Panesar stated.
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