Passenger Attempts to Open Emergency Cabin Door Mid-Flight at 30,000 Feet 'Just Because'

THIS is the shocking moment an airline passenger tries to prise open an emergency exit while 30,000ft in the air.

Alarming footage shows staff wrestling with the man as terrified passengers look on.

Airline staff were forced to restrain a man who tried to open the emergency exit Credit: X/@abhignang The man was overpowered and bound in cable ties Credit: X/@abhignang

Indian national Jamsheer Athanikkal, 36, has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Athanikkal was travelling on a Batik Air flight from Malaysia to on Wednesday when he allegedly tried to open the emergency exit “without any provocation”.

Fellow passengers and staff eventually managed to overpower and restrain him with cable ties before handing him over to authorities.

Scratch marks can be seen around the window panel he is accused of trying to break open.

Scratch marks could be seen on the window Credit: X/@abhignang The suspect has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder Credit: X/@abhignang

When questioned by , Athanikkal reportedly gave a bizarre explanation for his actions, saying he had “felt like doing so at that moment”.

He allegedly told officers he had “felt like dying while travelling on the flight”.

The suspect, who works in the hospitality industry, also reportedly said he was flying home to see his newborn child.

A spokesman for Kochi airport police said the incident happened during the flight between 9.30pm and 11pm.

He said: “Jamsheer was a traveller in seat number 12A.

“Without any provocation, he tried to open the emergency exit and destroyed the exit window panel.

“He threatened the co-passengers and the crew, who tried to prevent him.

“Later, he was overpowered by the co-passengers and the crew.”

The spokesman said the flight crew had since returned to Malaysia and would provide statements to police at a later date.

Officers are also investigating whether Athanikkal could face additional charges under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation Act, which covers offences committed on board aircraft.

The spokesman added: “He said he felt like doing so at that moment. It was not like he had lost his job.

“He said he was coming home to see his newborn.

“Police will seek his custody from the court for further questioning.”

Athanikkal was initially arrested on suspicion of criminal intimidation, failing to follow official safety directions and endangering public safety.

Police have since added an attempted murder charge over the incident.

The spokesman said: “However, as the act of the accused could have endangered the lives of the co-passengers, we have evoked an attempt to murder charge against him.

“He has to be questioned in detail as part of the probe.”

Police are now seeking to remand Athanikkal in custody as they investigate the incident and seek to establish his mental condition.