Southwest Airlines Passenger Climbs Onto Wing via Emergency Exit at New Orleans Airport

A startling incident unfolded at New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport when a passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight opened an emergency exit door and climbed onto the plane’s wing while the aircraft was stationary at the gate.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to the airport following a disturbance involving a 38-year-old man who opened the emergency exit door with the intent to access the wing and jump out. Fortunately, the plane had not yet departed the gate, and ground personnel promptly intervened, detaining the individual until deputies arrived.

Passenger Zed Webster, who was onboard, recounted that he heard a heated exchange between two passengers across the aisle. Concerned about a potential altercation, he began recording the incident with his phone. To his shock, one of the passengers unlocked the emergency exit door and leaped out of the window, prompting panic among the passengers.

Webster’s video captured the chaotic scene as several passengers disembarked from the aircraft and hurried through the jetway. Additionally, the footage showed an airline employee leaping from the jetway to assist colleagues in subduing the passenger.

Upon making contact with the passenger on the tarmac, deputies noted that he appeared disoriented and unaware of his surroundings, suggesting a possible mental health emergency. Consequently, the man was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, where he remains hospitalized.

The sheriff’s office clarified that there is no evidence suggesting the man left any items on the plane or possessed any weapons. Local authorities do not anticipate pressing criminal charges, and the investigation has been handed over to federal authorities. Thankfully, no one sustained injuries during the incident.

Chris Perry, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines, commended the swift response of the flight and ground crews and apologized to passengers for any inconvenience caused. The flight eventually departed using a different aircraft after a delay of approximately two hours, arriving in Atlanta shortly before midnight.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, cnn.com