Chinese passenger questioned for opening emergency exit to 'get fresh air'

By Hoang Vu May 14, 2025 | 11:42 pm PT

A China Eastern Airlines aircraft is seen in Hongqiao International Airport in Shanghai, China, June 4, 2020. Photo by Reuters

A passenger aboard a China Eastern Airlines flight was escorted off the plane and questioned by police after opening an emergency exit door in an apparent attempt to "get some fresh air."

The incident occurred on flight MU5828, which had just landed in Kunming from Changsha on May 11 and was still taxiing on the runway when the man opened the door, according to The Mirror.

Witnesses said the man appeared calm and told nearby passengers he opened the door simply to breathe fresh air, Daily Mail reported.

His actions caused chaos inside the cabin, delaying the disembarkation process by approximately 20 minutes.

In China, opening an aircraft's emergency exit without authorization can result in fines ranging from CNY100,000 to CNY200,000 (US$13,880-27,761), depending on the type of aircraft and the specific circumstances.