It appears at first to be a standard instance of inappropriate behavior on aircraft. A statement released on Friday by Mexico City International Airport confirmed that on Thursday, while the aircraft was parked and ready to take off, a man had unlatched the emergency exit and exited the aircraft on one of its wings. The man was turned over to police, according to the airport. However, dozens of other travelers signed a written statement claiming that the airline forced them to wait without water or air conditioning for four hours while the flight was delayed. He acted “to protect everyone, with the support of everyone,” according to other passengers’ statements, which were captured on camera and uploaded online.
Los pasajeros del vuelo 672 de Aeromexico fueron retenidos durante 4 horas, sin acceso a agua y con poca ventilacion, un pasajero abrió una puerta de emergencia y se paro sobre el ala del avion,La Guardia Nacional lo arrestro. pic.twitter.com/dJAO2wN7ds
— laCapiSúperGirl (@laCapiSuperGirl) January 27, 2024
The airport said in a statement that “yesterday a passenger on a flight to Guatemala opened an emergency door on a plane while it was stationary at a remote position, stood on a wing and then re-entered the cabin, without affecting the aircraft or anyone else”.
“In line with international security regulations, this person turned himself over to the authorities,” it said.
In support of the man’s actions, at least 77 passengers on the AeroMexico flight to Guatemala signed a handwritten statement on notebook paper, images of which were shared on social media. “The passengers’ health was put in jeopardy due to the delay and lack of air. He preserved our lives,” the statement reads.
That version was largely confirmed by an incident report submitted to airport authorities.
“Around 11:37 a.m., a Mexican airline reported the beginning of a disturbance due to passenger discontent on flight AM672,” the report states.
“The flight had been due to lift off at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, but because of a maintenance alert on the plane, the captain had to return to the gate for the required maintenance.” “The passengers were unhappy and one of them opened the emergency door and stepped out on the wing,” the report said. “This event required the plane to be changed.” Airport authorities did not identify the man, and they declined to comment on whether he remains in custody or faces charges.
Flight tracking sites confirmed that flight AM672 to Guatemala City was delayed for 4 hours and 56 minutes Thursday.
A video apparently recorded aboard the flight showed passengers fanning themselves and asking a flight attendant for water.
AeroMexico did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.
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