Chaos on Athens–Tel Aviv Flight as Passenger Opens Emergency Exit at Ben Gurion
Israeli traveler seated at emergency row pulled door handle after landing, sparking panic and confrontation with crew
Twitter
An unusual and alarming incident occurred on flight BZ701 from Athens to Israel when a passenger sitting in the emergency exit row opened the door after landing at Ben Gurion Airport.
Witnesses said the man initially denied touching the handle, before admitting he had “lightly brushed” it and the door “opened like butter.” Passengers reported a loud bang followed by shouting as flight attendants rushed to the scene.
“He started screaming, claiming it wasn’t his fault,” said Danit, a passenger from Petah Tikva who was traveling with her family. “First he insisted he didn’t touch it at all, then later he admitted he had.”
The crew ordered all passengers to remain on board while the situation was clarified.
The man was arguing with flight attendants before finally remaining on the plane while other passengers were escorted to buses.
Despite the disruption, the airline chose not to impose disciplinary measures against the passenger.