Chennai, May 3: A tense situation unfolded at Chennai International Airport on Sunday morning when a passenger opened the emergency exit door of an Air Arabia flight while the aircraft was taxiing. The incident occurred shortly after the plane, carrying 231 passengers, landed from Sharjah at around 3:50 am.

According to officials, the 34-year-old male passenger from Pudukkottai suddenly opened one of the emergency exit doors as the aircraft moved along the taxiway—the designated path connecting the runway and the terminal. The pilot immediately halted the aircraft at the taxi parking area and alerted airport authorities, reporting the breach.

Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), accompanied by bomb squad experts and armed officers carrying AK-47 rifles, rushed to the spot. Security teams boarded the aircraft, apprehended the passenger, and took him into custody for questioning. Authorities are also assessing his mental condition to determine the motive behind the act. The pilot lodged a formal complaint with the airport authorities, ensuring that the matter was officially recorded.

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The aircraft remained stationed at the same location following the incident, as security checks were carried out to ensure passenger safety. Due to the disruption, the Air Arabia flight scheduled to depart for Sharjah at 6:50 am was delayed by nearly three hours, affecting travel plans of several passengers.

Airport officials confirmed that the situation was brought under control swiftly, but the incident caused panic among passengers and crew. Investigations are underway to establish whether the passenger acted deliberately or under distress. Authorities are also reviewing security protocols to prevent similar breaches in the future.

This incident highlights the critical importance of strict vigilance in aviation safety. Emergency exits are designed for use only during life-threatening situations, and unauthorized tampering can endanger lives and disrupt operations. The swift response by CISF personnel ensured that the situation did not escalate further.

As investigations continue, the arrested passenger remains in custody, and further details are expected once authorities complete their inquiry. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by airport security teams in maintaining safety and discipline in high-pressure environments.