A trans-Pacific flight from Tokyo to Texas made an emergency landing in Seattle on Saturday after chaos erupted onboard when a passenger reportedly attempted to open one of the aircraft’s doors mid-flight.
The All Nippon Airways (ANA) Flight 114 had taken off from Tokyo en route to Houston when, several hours into the journey, the crew was forced to divert the plane due to what the airline described as an “unruly passenger.”
According to the Port of Seattle Police, the man — whose identity remains undisclosed — appeared to be suffering from a “medical crisis” when he attempted to open the emergency exit.
He was restrained by quick-acting passengers and crew members before being taken into custody and later transported to a local hospital. It remains unclear whether he will face legal charges.
“The safety of our passengers and crew are our top priority,” ANA said in a statement, commending law enforcement and onboard personnel for their swift response.
While the plane remained grounded at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a second individual was also removed due to unrelated “unruly behavior,” according to airport authorities.
The flight resumed its journey and landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston about four hours behind schedule, at approximately 12:40 PM local time.
This incident adds to a growing list of mid-air disturbances involving passengers attempting to open aircraft doors — an act aviation experts note is nearly impossible at cruising altitude due to cabin pressure.
Similar episodes have occurred globally: in April, a Jetstar flight was forced to turn back to Bali, and in 2023, a man on an American Airlines flight had to be restrained with duct tape after attempting to open a door mid-flight.
Airlines continue to emphasize heightened vigilance and preparedness among crew as such incidents rise globally.
