Why did a Tokyo-to-Houston flight make an emergency stop in Seattle? It wasn’t turbulence!
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If you've ever grumbled about a flight delay or the snack cart skipping your row, this story might put things into perspective.
A recent transpacific flight was forced to make an unexpected landing—not because of weather or mechanical trouble, but because of a passenger's dangerous behavior at 35,000 feet.
It happened aboard All Nippon Airways Flight 114, traveling from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Houston.
Ten hours into the journey, the calm of the overnight flight was disrupted when a passenger reportedly attempted to open two exit doors mid-flight, prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing in Seattle.
Thankfully, no one was injured.
According to the FBI and the Port of Seattle, fellow passengers and flight crew quickly restrained the individual.
After landing safely at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around 4 a.m., the person was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation.
But that wasn’t the only disruption.
While the plane was on the tarmac, a second passenger—frustrated by the delay—punched a bathroom door.
That person was calmly removed before the flight continued to its destination.
No charges, but serious concern
The FBI later confirmed that no charges had been filed in connection with either incident.
The flight eventually resumed and landed safely in Houston just before 1 p.m. local time.
Still, the situation raised plenty of questions.
Why do these events keep happening, and what can airlines—and passengers—do to prevent them?
Also read: Stunned passengers watch crew wrestle first-class passenger in mid-flight meltdown
Can you really open a plane door mid-flight?
Here’s some peace of mind: due to the difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of a plane, it’s physically impossible to open an exterior door while the aircraft is at cruising altitude.
That said, even trying to do so is a serious matter that creates fear and chaos for everyone onboard.
More incidents, more rules
Airline staff are trained to respond swiftly to these types of situations, and that training has become even more critical in recent years.
Since 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration has tracked thousands of incidents involving unruly passengers.
Although numbers have declined since the pandemic peak, 2023 still saw over 2,000 cases, with more than 400 enforcement actions and over $7 million in fines.
Also read: Mid-air mayhem: Passengers become unexpected heroes after the ceiling collapses on a flight
This isn’t the first—and likely not the last
Unfortunately, in-flight disturbances like this are becoming more common.
Just a few months ago, a Jetstar flight from Bali to Melbourne had to turn back after a passenger tried to open a door.
In another well-known incident, a man on a domestic flight was restrained with duct tape after attacking a flight attendant.
These events are a growing concern for airlines and travelers alike.
While airline crews are well-equipped to handle emergencies, passengers also play a role in keeping flights safe and calm.
If you notice something unusual or alarming, alert a crew member right away.
Staying calm, following instructions, and showing patience—especially during delays—can go a long way.
Read next: Unruly passenger’s X-rated mid-flight incident forces plane back to gate
Have you ever witnessed something unsettling on a flight? How did the crew respond? Did you feel safe, or did the incident change the way you view air travel? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments!
Safe travels to all our GrayVine readers—and remember, the only thing you should try to open at cruising altitude is a snack, not the cabin door!
A recent transpacific flight was forced to make an unexpected landing—not because of weather or mechanical trouble, but because of a passenger's dangerous behavior at 35,000 feet.
It happened aboard All Nippon Airways Flight 114, traveling from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport to Houston.
Ten hours into the journey, the calm of the overnight flight was disrupted when a passenger reportedly attempted to open two exit doors mid-flight, prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing in Seattle.
Thankfully, no one was injured.
According to the FBI and the Port of Seattle, fellow passengers and flight crew quickly restrained the individual.
After landing safely at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around 4 a.m., the person was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation.
The passenger was restrained by crew and fellow travelers after attempting to open two exit doors mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing in Seattle. Image Source: YouTube / FOX 26 Houston
But that wasn’t the only disruption.
While the plane was on the tarmac, a second passenger—frustrated by the delay—punched a bathroom door.
That person was calmly removed before the flight continued to its destination.
No charges, but serious concern
The FBI later confirmed that no charges had been filed in connection with either incident.
The flight eventually resumed and landed safely in Houston just before 1 p.m. local time.
Still, the situation raised plenty of questions.
Why do these events keep happening, and what can airlines—and passengers—do to prevent them?
Also read: Stunned passengers watch crew wrestle first-class passenger in mid-flight meltdown
Can you really open a plane door mid-flight?
Here’s some peace of mind: due to the difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of a plane, it’s physically impossible to open an exterior door while the aircraft is at cruising altitude.
That said, even trying to do so is a serious matter that creates fear and chaos for everyone onboard.
More incidents, more rules
Airline staff are trained to respond swiftly to these types of situations, and that training has become even more critical in recent years.
Since 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration has tracked thousands of incidents involving unruly passengers.
Although numbers have declined since the pandemic peak, 2023 still saw over 2,000 cases, with more than 400 enforcement actions and over $7 million in fines.
Also read: Mid-air mayhem: Passengers become unexpected heroes after the ceiling collapses on a flight
This isn’t the first—and likely not the last
Unfortunately, in-flight disturbances like this are becoming more common.
Just a few months ago, a Jetstar flight from Bali to Melbourne had to turn back after a passenger tried to open a door.
In another well-known incident, a man on a domestic flight was restrained with duct tape after attacking a flight attendant.
These events are a growing concern for airlines and travelers alike.
While airline crews are well-equipped to handle emergencies, passengers also play a role in keeping flights safe and calm.
If you notice something unusual or alarming, alert a crew member right away.
Staying calm, following instructions, and showing patience—especially during delays—can go a long way.
Read next: Unruly passenger’s X-rated mid-flight incident forces plane back to gate
Have you ever witnessed something unsettling on a flight? How did the crew respond? Did you feel safe, or did the incident change the way you view air travel? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments!
Safe travels to all our GrayVine readers—and remember, the only thing you should try to open at cruising altitude is a snack, not the cabin door!
