American Airlines passenger opens emergency door in-flight

The AA flight 1219 bound for Chicago International Airport was forced to return to Albuquerque International Sunport just 30 minutes after departure, Fox News reported.

A video that went viral on social media showed police escorting the passenger off the plane after it returned to Albuquerque for an emergency landing.

Multiple passengers onboard the plane described the situation on social media.

The flight landed safely, and the aircraft was met by local law enforcement upon arrival, the airline said as cited by New York Post.

Further information about the situation and any possible charges has not been revealed.

A series of passengers opening emergency doors mid-air have been reported recently.

Last month, an elderly man boarding an Air Canada flight from London to Toronto tried to open the aircraft doors midflight, before the plane managed to land safely.

Also last month, a man boarding a flight of AeroMexico opened an emergency exit and walked on a plane’s wing.

Aviation experts said it's not possible to open aircraft doors at high altitudes as modern aircraft are equipped with plug doors, which make use of cabin pressurization to stay sealed.

The higher pressure on one side forces the door into its socket and seals it shut until the pressure is released.