Aeroméxico Flight Stuck on Tarmac for Hours Forces Passenger to Open Emergency Door and Walk on Wing for Fresh Air

Authorities in Mexico City have detained an Aeroméxico passenger for allegedly opening the emergency door while the plane was stuck on the tarmac on January 25. 

The flight was AM 672 from Mexico City Benito Juaréz International Airport (MEX) to Guatemala City International Airport (GUA). The flight was scheduled to depart around 8:30 a.m., but the aircraft was still on the tarmac when the incident occurred three hours later. Different countries have different rules for the treatment of passengers during delays. In this scenario, the aircraft was stuck on the tarmac for hours with no respite for passengers. 

As such, the man who opened the emergency door to access the wing claims it was necessary to get fresh air as the passengers were not provided food, drinks, or any other relief. In addition to not having water, the plane also lacked air conditioning. Several passengers informed the media that the man who opened the door had the full support of passengers on the plane, given the severity of the situation and are now questioning why he was detained. 

A handwritten note signed by several passengers reads:

"All passengers on the flight from CDMX to Guatemala AM 0672 state that the passenger on board who opened the emergency window was for the protection of everyone, with the support of everyone, since the delay and lack of air created dangerous conditions for the health of the passengers." 

The airport authority also confirmed that no harm had been caused in the incident. Aeroméxico representatives have stated that the aircraft had mechanical problems, and the flight was set to undergo an aircraft swap when the incident occurred. Airlines in the U.S. are required by law to hand out snacks and drinks to passengers if tarmac delays exceed two hours, although there are no such requirements for full meals.

Mexico does not have equivalent regulations for flight delays. The flight departed after the aircraft swap was complete and landed five hours late in Guatemala City. The passengers were unsatisfied with the flight, having already seen a man arrested for "saving their lives".