A Guatemala-bound flight from Mexico City faced an unusual twist last Thursday when a passenger, frustrated by a lengthy delay and stifling conditions, opened the emergency door and walked onto the wing.
The Aeromexico flight, scheduled to depart at 8:30am, was grounded on the tarmac for three hours due to a maintenance issue. With no air conditioning or water available, tempers reportedly flared among passengers.
In a dramatic act of protest, one unidentified passenger took matters into his own hands, opening the emergency door and stepping onto the wing. While the Mexico International Airport authorities confirmed no harm was caused, the man was detained by police.
However, fellow passengers rallied in his support, signing a handwritten statement circulated on social media. "All passengers on the flight from CDMX [Mexico City] to Guatemala [flight] AM 0672 state that the passenger on board who opened the emergency window was for the protection of everyone , with the support of everyone, since the delay and lack of air created dangerous conditions for the health of the passengers."
"He saved our lives," the note declared, emphasizing the dangerous conditions caused by the delay and lack of air. The passengers expressed their support for the man's actions, arguing they were taken for everyone's protection.
A report on the incident said that a change of plane had become necessary after the passenger's dramatic move. It was not clear whether the man was still in custody, or what charges he may face.
