At first glance, it seems like a typical violation of etiquette on an airplane, but
MEXICO CITY — At first glance, this sounds like a classic case of bad behavior on a plane.
Mexico City International Airport confirmed in a statement Friday that a man opened an emergency exit and exited the wing of a parked plane awaiting takeoff on Thursday.
The man was handed over to police, the airport said.
But dozens of passengers signed a copy of a statement saying the airline kept them waiting for four hours without ventilation or water while the plane was delayed. His fellow passengers said he acted “with everyone’s support and to protect everyone,” according to a photo of the statement posted online.
In a statement, the airport said: “Yesterday, a passenger on a flight to Guatemala opened the emergency door while the plane was stationary at a distance, stood on the wing and re-entered the cabin, but did not come into contact with the plane or people. There was no impact.” other than that. “
“In accordance with international security regulations, this person has surrendered to the authorities,” the statement said.
At least 77 passengers on the Guatemala-bound Aeromexico flight signed a handwritten statement on notebook paper, and a photo of it was posted on social media, supporting the man’s actions.
“The delay and lack of air created a situation that endangered the health of the passenger. He saved our lives,” the statement said.
An incident report filed with airport authorities largely corroborates that version.
“At approximately 11:37 a.m., the Mexican airline reported that a disturbance began due to passenger dissatisfaction on board AM Flight 672,” the report said. “The plane was scheduled to take off at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, but a maintenance alert for the plane occurred and the captain had to return to the gate for necessary maintenance.”
“The passengers became disgruntled and one of them opened the emergency door and exited the wing,” the report said. “This incident necessitated a change of flight.”
Airport authorities have not identified the man and declined to comment on whether he is still in custody or facing charges.
Aviation tracking sites confirmed on Thursday that flight AM672 bound for Guatemala City was delayed by 4 hours and 56 minutes.
A video that appeared to have been recorded on the plane showed a frightened passenger asking a flight attendant for water.
Aeromexico did not respond to an emailed request for comment.