Passenger flings emergency door open on the runway and deploys inflatable

Author's Summary

On November 25, 2025, a panicked passenger on a KLM flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam opened the emergency exit while taxiing, deploying the slide and causing cancellation; he faced charges amid a mental health episode. (148 characters)

Incident Overview

A KLM flight (KL622) bound for Amsterdam experienced chaos at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Johannes Van Heertum, aged 32, called 911 claiming a weapon onboard, sparking panic. While the plane taxied, he flung open the emergency door, deploying the inflatable slide.

Police Response

Atlanta Police boarded the aircraft at Ramp 9 and took Van Heertum into custody. Officials noted he seemed to suffer a mental health crisis after mistaking another passenger for armed. EMTs evaluated him before charges of reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, and interfering with security measures.

"Preliminary investigation indicates Van Heertum believed he saw another passenger with a weapon and appeared to have panicked, ultimately opening the emergency exit door and deploying the inflatable slide while the plane was taxiing."

Airline and Passenger Accounts

KLM canceled the flight, rebooking all others on later services, and confirmed local authorities' probe.

Police emphasized details remain preliminary as the probe continues.

more

AOL AOL — 2025-11-28

More News