Passenger Opens Emergency Exit for 'Breath of Fresh Air'

Image: PHOTO: Emergency exit seat row in airplane.  (photo via asiandelight/iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Image: PHOTO: Emergency exit seat row in airplane. (photo via asiandelight/iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:50 AM ET, Fri September 27, 2019

A passenger on a Chinese airline delayed the flight by over an hour Monday when she decided to open an emergency exit door after the cabin felt "too stuffy."

According to The Daily Express, a female passenger on Xiamen Airlines Flight MF 8215 from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport to the city of Lanzhou said she began to get hot as the boarding process was concluding.

Flight attendants told the woman not to touch the emergency exit, but she failed to adhere to the instructions and opened the door because she wanted "a breath of fresh air." Police were called to the scene, and the female passenger was arrested.

Authorities said the woman would be charged with disturbing public order and receive a fine.

As a result of the incident, the Xiamen Airlines flight was delayed by over an hour as officials had to close the door again safely and a second round of safety inspections had to be completed before the plane could depart.

Video of the incident has gone viral on social media in China, racking up over 18 million views to date.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...
Upcoming Event
Selling More with TAP: Unlock the Value of Portugal StopoverMonday, November 9, 2026, 2:00PM EasternJoin TAP Air Portugal and Visit Portugal for an exclusive webinar dedicated to TAP's Portugal Stopover...
Upcoming Webinar
Wildlife, Culture & Warm-Weather AdventureTuesday, November 10, 2026, 2:00pm EasternFrom extraordinary wildlife encounters to vibrant cultures and breathtaking landscapes, discover how...
Upcoming Webinar
Black Friday Is Just the Beginning with ALG Vacations®Wednesday, November 11, 2026 2:00pm EasternJoin ALG Vacations® on November 11 for a special webinar featuring Jacki Marks, Jim Tedesco, and Ben...