Alaska Airlines acknowledged the “disruptive” occurrence and stated that they are investigating the situation with their crew and airport officials.
SEATTLE— On Sunday (December 23, 2024), an anxious Alaska Airlines customer exited through the emergency wing exit door upon landing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
The incident occurred after Alaska Airlines Flight AS323 from Milwaukee had arrived at Gate N9.
Alaska Airline Passenger Emergency Door Incident
According to Kiro 7 News, the passenger entered the wing by the emergency exit while other passengers began conventional deplaning procedures.
At 5:02 PM, Port of Seattle emergency crews responded, with firefighters and crisis intervention specialists escorting the passenger from the wing to the terminal ramp.
After the event, port authorities transferred the individual to a hospital for evaluation. The unlawful exit caused no injuries, and airport operations continued normally.
The trip was flown by a 7.1-year-old Boeing 737-900, N282AK.
Alaska Airlines acknowledged the “disruptive” occurrence and stated that they are investigating the situation with their crew and airport officials. The airline thanked its workers for their quick response and apologized to the affected passengers.
The event occurred at Gate N9 during a regular flight from Milwaukee to Seattle. According to eyewitness testimonies and official comments from both the Port of Seattle and Alaska Airlines, the issue was handled safely and with minimum disruption to airport operations.
Similar Incidents
A similar occurrence occurred on an Asiana Airlines flight approaching Daegu, South Korea, when a passenger successfully opened the emergency door from 700 feet altitude.
The passenger, a male in his thirties, opened the door two minutes before landing, causing a strong wind to rush through the cabin. He then informed police that he felt suffocated and needed to leave quickly. Video video showed individuals clutching their armrests as the wind blasted through the cabin.
Another incident occurred on an IndiGo Airlines (6E) flight from Hyderabad to Delhi on July 8, 2023, when Furoqon Hussain, 40, attempted to open the emergency escape after takeoff. The flight crew acted quickly, sealing the door cover and transferring Hussain from seat 18A to guarantee flight safety.
S. S. Panesar, former Director of Flight Safety of Indian Airlines, highlighted that emergency exit doors had protective covers to avoid inadvertent opening due to cabin pressure.
“If the cover is removed, then the handle is barely open and it can open mid-air due to any reason and it is hazardous for the aircraft,” says Panesar.