Passenger Opens Emergency Exit and Jumps from Plane at Paris Orly Airport.

On Friday, February 7, 2025, a passenger aboard Iberia flight IB578 to Madrid opened the emergency exit while the Airbus A320neo, registered EC-NTA, was taxiing at Paris Orly Airport and jumped onto the tarmac.

Incident Overview

As the aircraft was approaching the runway threshold, the rear emergency door was opened, deploying the evacuation slide. The passenger allegedly assaulted a flight attendant before exiting the plane through the emergency exit. The air transport gendarmerie (BGTA) quickly apprehended the individual, who was later released from custody for medical reasons. He is facing charges for obstructing aircraft operations.

Effects on Flights & Passengers

The plane was towed back to the terminal, and all passengers were safely disembarked. Some managed to catch a later flight to Madrid, while others were offered accommodations for future travel. Aéroports de Paris (ADP) confirmed that airport operations were not significantly impacted.

Investigation and Authorities' Response

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. Aéroports de Paris confirmed that regular airport operations remained unaffected, and other flights at Orly Airport proceeded without delay.

The incidents involving passengers opening emergency exits or engaging in disruptive behavior have occurred in France in the past, although they are quite rare and typically handled swiftly by airport authorities and law enforcement.

One notable example took place in 2019 when a man aboard an Air France flight from Paris to Los Angeles opened an emergency exit door while the plane was on the tarmac. The passenger was reportedly under the influence of alcohol, and the incident caused a delay before the flight could depart. The passenger was arrested, and the airline issued an official statement condemning such behavior, stressing the importance of safety protocols.

While this particular incident wasn't identical to the one at Paris Orly Airport in February 2025, it does highlight how rare but concerning such occurrences are. In general, opening an emergency exit door in-flight or during taxiing is extremely dangerous and illegal, leading to strict penalties for offenders.

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