Felt suffocated: Man who opened emergency door on S Korea flight says he ‘wanted to get off quickly’

A passenger who opened an emergency exit door during a flight in South Korea told police that he felt suffocated and tried to get off the plane quickly as it approached landing, according to reports.

The incident occurred on an Asiana Airlines Airbus A321 en route from the southern island of Jeju to the city of Daegu on Friday. As the man opened the door, air rushed into the cabin, causing twelve people to sustain minor injuries. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely.

The individual, aged 33, was apprehended by the authorities in Daegu for allegedly violating aviation security regulations. If found guilty, he may face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Yonhap news agency reported that during questioning, the man informed the police that he felt suffocated and desired to exit the plane swiftly. He had been experiencing stress after losing his job recently.

Several South Korean media outlets shared similar accounts of the man’s motive, leading Daegu police to request a formal arrest warrant for him.

Calls to Daegu police were unanswered early Sunday. Daegu police officers refused to provide details about the man, citing privacy issues, said The Associated Press.

The aircraft carried a total of 194 passengers, including teenage athletes who were en route to a track and field competition. The man opened the door as the plane descended towards Daegu airport at an altitude of 700 feet (213 meters).

The people who were taken to hospitals were mainly treated for minor problems such as breathing difficulties.