We’ve all been there—stuck on a plane after landing, waiting for what feels like an eternity as the aircraft slowly taxis to the gate.

The air can get a bit stuffy, tempers can fray, and the urge to stretch your legs is almost overwhelming.

But one passenger on a recent China Eastern Airlines flight took things to a whole new level—by opening the emergency exit door, all because he fancied a bit of 'fresh air'!


The incident, which unfolded on 11 May aboard flight MU5828 from Changsha to Kunming, shocked fellow passengers and crew.

As the plane was still taxiing on the runway at Kunming Changshui International Airport, a young male passenger calmly pulled the emergency handle, deploying the evacuation slide in the process.

According to witnesses, he told those around him that he simply wanted to get a breath of fresh air.


While no one was hurt, the sudden opening of the emergency exit caused chaos in the cabin.

Passengers were forced to remain seated for around 20 minutes as the crew managed the situation and ensured everyone’s safety.

The man responsible was promptly escorted off the plane by police for questioning.


The cost of a 'breath of fresh air'

While the passenger’s actions might sound almost comical, the consequences are anything but.

In China, opening an emergency exit door without authorisation is a serious offence, carrying fines that can range from $20,000 to $40,000 AUD.

Not to mention, it can also lead to criminal charges and a permanent ban from flying with the airline.

Why is opening an emergency exit so dangerous?

It’s important to remember that emergency exits are there for emergencies.

Opening one while the plane is on the ground but not at the gate can put everyone at risk.

The sudden deployment of the evacuation slide can injure people nearby, and the open door can compromise the safety of the aircraft and those on board.

It also causes significant delays, as the airline must inspect the plane and replace the slide before it can fly again.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard of bizarre behaviour on planes recently.

Just last month, a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai had to turn back after the pilot realised a critical error, causing a six-hour delay for passengers.

Earlier this year, a Ryanair passenger had to be strapped into his seat after becoming unruly on a flight to Rhodes.

It seems that as air travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, so too do the stories of odd and sometimes dangerous passenger antics.

Whether it’s frustration, confusion, or just plain mischief, these incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of following crew instructions and respecting the rules of the sky.

What should you do if you witness something unusual on a flight?

If you ever find yourself in a situation where another passenger is behaving strangely or dangerously, the best thing you can do is alert the cabin crew immediately.

They are trained to handle all sorts of emergencies and will know the best course of action to keep everyone safe.

A quick refresher on air travel etiquette


For many people, flying is a regular part of life, whether it's for visiting family, going on holiday, or discovering new destinations.

Still, it's important to keep a few essential guidelines in mind.

Never touch the emergency exits unless you're instructed to by the crew.

Stay seated with your seatbelt fastened until the plane has fully stopped and the seatbelt sign is off.

If you feel unwell or claustrophobic, inform a crew member—they're there to support you.

And during delays, remember to be patient, as safety is always the top priority.
Have you ever witnessed something unusual on a flight? Or perhaps you have a funny (or frightening) travel story to share? Let us know in the comments below.