A JetBlue passenger caused a commotion at Boston Logan Airport on Tuesday evening when they opened an emergency exit door while the aircraft was taxiing.
The incident took place aboard JetBlue flight B6161, and Airbus A320-200 bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico.
JetBlue Taxi Incident Boston
The JetBlue aircraft had entered the active taxiway and was making its way to the runway holding point for departure. During the taxi, a male passenger allegedly opened one of the aircraft’s overwing exit doors. This resulted in the automatic deployment of the exit’s emergency slide and caused a subsequent delay for the flight.
According to CBS News, witnesses aboard the flight said that the male passenger had been arguing with his partner. Following this, he walked down the passenger aisle and opened the door “suddenly and without warning.” The exact motive behind the action remains unclear, and the man remained aboard the aircraft.
The incident prompted a swift response from authorities. The aircraft remained on the taxiway, and Massachusetts State Police were called to the scene and detained the individual responsible. Other passengers reportedly restrained the man until state police troopers arrived.
The passenger is now expected to face charges related to his actions and will face East Boston District Court.
JetBlue released a statement confirming the incident, stating that the passenger opened an overwing exit “for unknown reasons.” The airline worked to re-accommodate passengers on a different aircraft, ensuring their safe arrival in San Juan.
The aircraft conducting the B6161 service to San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) was an Airbus A320-200, registered N658JB.
The Boston Logan taxi incident will now be the subject of an FAA investigation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of passenger safety and the potential severe consequences of disruptive behavior on flights.
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