"Not Even Giving Water"... Man Opens Airplane Emergency Door and Protests on Wing

Aircraft Delayed from Takeoff Due to Maintenance Issues
Male Passenger Protests
"Someone Could Have Experienced Health Problems"

At Mexico City International Airport, a male passenger opened the emergency exit of a stationary airplane and staged a protest before being apprehended by the police. It is understood that the man took this action after the aircraft's departure was delayed.

On the 28th (local time), Mexican daily El Financiero and AP News reported that on the 25th, an AeroMexico flight bound for Guatemala City at Mexico City Benito Juarez International Airport was unable to take off on time due to maintenance issues. After the departure was delayed by more than three hours beyond the scheduled time, a passenger forcibly opened the airplane's emergency exit and walked a few steps toward the wing, staging a form of protest.

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. [Image source=Pixabay]

Mexico City International Airport stated via social media that "a passenger exited the aircraft, which was parked away from the runway, through the wing and then re-entered the cabin," and that "according to regulations, this passenger was handed over to the police and authorities." However, the passenger reportedly protested, saying, "I was trapped inside the cabin for a long time without water," and "ventilation was inadequate, and someone’s health could have been at risk."

More than 70 other passengers on board also reportedly signed a handwritten solidarity statement supporting the man, stating, "He is right," and "The male passenger acted to protect everyone and has the support of all." Media outlets reported that this is the first time such an incident has occurred at Mexico City International Airport.

A video believed to have been filmed inside the cabin was also released on social media. The footage shows passengers fanning themselves with their hands and requesting water from flight attendants. AP News cited information from an online flight tracking site confirming that the flight was delayed by 4 hours and 56 minutes.