A frightening mid-air incident occurred on February 28 when a passenger aboard Plus Ultra Flight 701 from Madrid to Caracas allegedly attempted to open an emergency exit while the aircraft was flying over the Atlantic Ocean.
Eyewitnesses reported that the man suddenly leaped from his seat and rushed toward the emergency exit, forcefully pulling at the door lever. The commotion sent panic through the cabin, with passengers screaming as flight attendants scrambled to intervene.
Dramatic footage from the flight captured the chaotic moment as crew members and fellow passengers wrestled the man away from the exit. The situation escalated, leading to a physical struggle before the attacker was subdued, pinned to the floor, and restrained for the remainder of the journey.
Crew Injuries and Official Response
Reports indicate that at least one flight attendant suffered a serious injury while trying to restrain the passenger. The crew member sustained a partial fibula fracture, requiring medical treatment and leading to an extended work absence.
In a statement, Plus Ultra confirmed that the passenger had been disruptive even before the emergency exit attempt.
“A passenger began displaying agitated behavior, disturbing a fellow traveler by shouting and striking him while he was asleep,” the airline stated.
After flight attendants intervened and relocated the passenger, the situation appeared under control. However, moments later, the individual lunged for the emergency door, attempting to manipulate the mechanism.
“Our cabin crew acted swiftly, restraining the passenger and following standard safety protocol. He was secured at the rear of the plane, under constant supervision by two crew members until the flight reached its destination,” Plus Ultra added.
Could the Door Have Opened Mid-Air?
While the idea of a mid-flight emergency exit breach is terrifying, aviation experts clarify that modern aircraft doors are nearly impossible to open during flight. The extreme difference in cabin and external air pressure keeps them firmly sealed, and most aircraft are equipped with automatic flight lock systems that prevent tampering.
However, there have been rare cases where emergency exits were breached at lower altitudes. In 2023, a passenger on an Asiana Airlines Airbus A321 managed to open an exit door as the plane was descending for landing in South Korea, causing a moment of extreme panic.
Unanswered Questions
Plus Ultra, a Spanish airline specializing in Latin American routes, has not yet disclosed the passenger’s motive for the attempted exit breach. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are expected to take further action upon reviewing the incident.
