Passenger jumps off aircraft through emergency door while taxiing at Chennai Airport

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, May 4, 2026: Passengers aboard a Sharjah–Chennai Air Arabia flight faced tense moments on Sunday morning after a 34-year-old man opened an emergency exit and jumped from the aircraft while it was taxiing at Chennai International Airport.

According to airport sources, the passenger, a native of Pudukkottai district in Tamil Nadu, was reportedly unwell during the journey and had vomited twice mid-flight. After landing, as the aircraft was moving slowly along a taxiway and had not yet come to a complete stop, he suddenly opened the emergency exit and leapt out.

The pilot immediately halted the aircraft and alerted airport authorities. Security personnel rushed to the spot and apprehended the man after a brief chase on the taxiway.

A police officer said the passenger sustained minor abrasions in the fall and was administered first aid before being taken to a secure location within the airport for questioning. Preliminary inquiries indicate that he had complained of nausea during the flight.

The incident caused a brief disruption to airport operations. Authorities have launched an investigation into the breach of aviation safety protocols, and the aircraft has reportedly been grounded pending further checks.