“Chaos in the Skies: Sunwig Airline Passenger Caught Opening Emergency Exit Mid-Flight”

Chaos in the Skies: Sunwig Airline Passenger Caught Opening Emergency Exit Mid-Flight

Byline: Sarah Nguyen, Aviation Correspondent

May 3, 2025

In an incident that has sent shockwaves through the aviation world, a Sunwig Airline flight from Jakarta to Tokyo was thrown into chaos yesterday after a passenger allegedly attempted to open an emergency exit door mid-flight. The aircraft, cruising at an altitude of 32,000 feet, was carrying 176 passengers and 9 crew members when the shocking event unfolded.

According to preliminary reports from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), the passenger, identified only as a 27-year-old male of Indonesian nationality, was seated near the rear exit of Flight 237. Approximately two hours into the flight, witnesses say he stood up abruptly, bypassed seated passengers, and began tampering with the emergency exit lever.

“It was surreal,” said Haruki Yamamoto, a passenger seated three rows away. “People were screaming. The flight attendants rushed toward him, but a few passengers were quicker—they tackled him before he could fully engage the mechanism.”

Cabin crew immediately initiated emergency protocols while two off-duty military personnel onboard helped restrain the man using zip ties and seat belts. Oxygen masks deployed after a brief drop in cabin pressure, though airline officials later clarified that the door had not opened fully, thanks to a combination of mechanical safety features and the quick action of passengers.

Sunwig Airline released a statement hours later, commending the bravery of the crew and passengers and confirming that all individuals on board were safe.

“The aircraft landed safely at Narita International Airport under full control,” the statement read. “We are cooperating fully with authorities in the ongoing investigation.”

A Terrifying Few Minutes

Flight data reveals that the Boeing 737-800 descended rapidly by approximately 8,000 feet shortly after the attempted breach. This emergency descent is a standard safety measure designed to stabilize cabin pressure in case of potential decompression.

“Everyone thought we were going to crash,” said Nisa Rahman, another passenger. “Parents were crying. People were praying. Even the flight attendants looked shaken.”

Emergency medical teams met the flight upon landing, treating several passengers for hyperventilation and panic attacks. No serious injuries were reported.

The suspect is now in custody and facing charges under Japan’s Aviation Law, which could carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Authorities are also investigating his motives and whether he had any history of mental illness or intent to sabotage the flight.

How Is It Possible to Open a Plane Door Mid-Flight?

Experts were quick to reassure the public that it is virtually impossible to fully open an emergency exit at cruising altitude due to the difference in air pressure inside and outside the aircraft.

“A commercial airliner is pressurized,” explained aviation analyst Daisuke Inoue. “Unless there’s a catastrophic depressurization, a human being physically cannot open that door at 32,000 feet. However, the attempt itself is dangerous and can lead to panic, injury, or even structural damage if the door’s seal is compromised.”

The incident has reignited debate about inflight security protocols and passenger screening procedures. Some critics are already calling for enhanced psychological evaluations during check-in, though privacy advocates caution against such measures.

Sunwig’s Rocky Track Record

This event marks the latest in a series of troubling incidents for Sunwig Airline, a budget carrier that has been operating since 2012. Last year, the airline faced backlash after an eight-hour delay left passengers stranded on a tarmac without air conditioning in Manila.

Aviation watchdog groups have placed Sunwig on their “High Risk” monitoring list due to prior maintenance and customer service issues. However, the airline continues to operate across Asia, serving more than 50 destinations.

“Incidents like this will further erode public trust,” said Dr. Maya Ford, a professor of transportation safety at the University of Sydney. “Even if the passenger’s actions were not the airline’s fault, passengers expect a secure and controlled environment.”

Voices from the Ground

As images and videos from the flight began circulating on social media, reactions ranged from support for the heroic passengers to criticism of Sunwig’s training protocols.

One video, viewed over 4 million times on TikTok, shows the moment the suspect was dragged to the floor, as panicked screams filled the cabin. Another clip reveals a stewardess using the intercom to calm passengers while visibly trembling.

“She did her best,” wrote one commenter. “I can’t imagine how terrifying that must have been.”

Next Steps

Sunwig Airline confirmed that all affected passengers will be offered compensation, including full refunds and vouchers for future travel. Additionally, the airline has pledged to review its seating policies, particularly around the assignment of emergency exit rows.

The JCAB has launched a formal inquiry, expected to conclude within 30 days. Meanwhile, the suspect’s family has been contacted but has declined to comment pending legal proceedings.

As for the rest of the passengers, many are just grateful to be alive.

“It was the scariest moment of my life,” said Yamamoto. “But it also reminded me how strangers can come together in a moment of crisis. I’ll never forget that.”