US: Delta Airlines passenger opens emergency door after take-off; arrested

The passenger allegedly opened an emergency exit door just before the take-off, causing the activation of the emergency slide of the plane.

The report citing the eyewitnesses said that the man reached the front of the plane in haste while it was moving away from the gate and asked the flight attendant, "What do I do now?"

The eyewitnesses further told the news organisation that the passenger allegedly ignored the flight attendant's repeated requests to remain seated, and instead ran to the emergency exit doors, unlatched and opened the door, and then slid down the emergency slide.

Upon the activation of the emergency slide, the plane came to a halt, and witnesses reported that the man jumped onto the back of a baggage cart. The luggage workers on the cart then assisted him until the airport police arrived.

According to CBS News, the airline in a statement said, "Delta flight 1714 operating from Los Angeles to Seattle returned to the gate due to an unruly passenger. The aircraft was holding to taxi for takeoff when the passenger exited the aircraft and was initially detained by Delta staff ahead of being arrested by local law enforcement."

Separately, the Los Angeles Airport Police said that the FBI has been informed about the incident.

"Airport Police responded and detained the passenger for further investigation. Due to the circumstances, FBI was notified," Los Angeles Airport Police told Fox News.

After the occurrence, the man was also transported to a nearby hospital for a psychological examination. Meanwhile, the remaining passengers were escorted off the plane and relocated to another one.

As per FlightAware.com, the flight encountered a delay of three hours because of the episode.