A routine Korean Air flight was thrown into chaos after a passenger attempted to open an emergency exit door while the aircraft was in the air, forcing the pilots to make a swift emergency landing.
The dramatic incident occurred on Flight KE689, which was travelling from Incheon International Airport in South Korea to Tbilisi, Georgia. The aircraft, an Airbus A330-200 carrying over 200 passengers, was approximately 40 minutes into its journey when the alarm was raised.
Chaos and Confusion at 30,000 Feet
According to officials and passenger accounts, an individual seated near an emergency exit suddenly tried to open the hatch. Quick-thinking cabin crew and fellow passengers intervened, physically restraining the suspect before they could compromise the aircraft's pressurisation. The attempt caused a loud noise and a sudden rush of wind, panicking those on board.
"There was a loud bang like an explosion next to me," one passenger recounted. "The air was rushing in and everything was shaking. People were screaming. We truly thought we were going to die."
Emergency Landing and Arrest
The captain immediately initiated emergency procedures and diverted the plane back to its point of origin. The aircraft landed safely at Incheon Airport at approximately 5:45 PM local time.
South Korean police met the flight on the tarmac and took the suspect, a man in his 30s, into custody. Preliminary reports from investigators suggest the individual was experiencing a severe episode of mental distress at the time of the incident. He is currently being questioned on charges of violating aviation security laws.
Airline and Airport Response
In an official statement, Korean Air commended its crew for their "swift and professional response" in managing the high-stakes situation and ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
The incident caused significant disruption at one of the world's busiest airports. The affected aircraft was taken out of service for a full safety and security inspection, leading to delays for subsequent flights. Passengers from the diverted flight were rebooked onto a new service departing later the same evening.
This serious breach of aviation security is now under a full investigation by South Korean authorities.
