An Air Canada passenger onboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for Toronto Airport (YYZ) tried to open the aircraft’s emergency door midflight, according to police.
The passenger, who was in a “state of crisis and confusion” at the time, was traveling on Flight AC855 from London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) on January 21, 2024.
According to Toronto City News, the elderly passenger was restrained by Air Canada cabin crew members after he attempted to open the emergency door.
On arrival at Toronto shortly before 3pm local time, officers from Peel Regional Police boarded the Air Canada 787-9 to speak with the man.
Police officers quickly established that the incident was not intentional, and the passenger was sent on his way.
“The passenger, an elderly male, had been in a state of crisis and confusion and it does not appear that his actions were intentional. No criminal charges have been laid, the man and his family have been connected with additional resources,” a spokesperson for Peel Regional Police said.
Air Canada issued a brief comment on the incident, pointing out that the emergency doors are designed not to open at high altitudes due to a locking system created by air pressure.
“Our crews are experienced and managed the situation appropriately, allowing the flight to continue normally to its destination,” the airline said.
An Air Canada passenger was recently treated by emergency medical staff at YYZ after he fell to the ground from a Boeing 777-300ER after opening the cabin door.
The passenger entered the Boeing 777 jet on January 8, 2024, but rather than take his seat, he proceeded to the opposite end of the aircraft and opened the door.