It is extremely difficult, even practically impossiblefor a passenger ofopen a door mid-flight on a modern commercial aircraft. Aircraft doors are specially designed to withstand air pressure at high altitudemaking them extremely strong and difficult to open without the proper mechanisms.
Commercial aircraft cabin doors are locked and sealed during flight. They are equipped with sophisticated locking mechanisms that require the use of a special handle or release lever, often accompanied by an activation code or a specific procedure. These devices are designed to prevent accidental or intentional opening of the door in flight.
Moreover, the cabin pressurization makes the pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the aircraft considerable. When the aircraft is at cruising altitude, the pressure inside the cabin is maintained at a comfortable level for passengers, while the air outside is significantly less dense. This pressure differential makes opening the door even more difficult, as the air pressure inside the cabin pushes the door outward, holding it firmly in place.
Furthermore, opening a door in mid-flight would be extremely dangerous for the safety of passengers and crew. This would cause rapid depressurization of the cabin, creating a major risk for all on board. Additionally, it would cause the aircraft to become aerodynamically unstable, which could lead to loss of control and a potentially catastrophic crash.
It is important to emphasize that the flight crew is trained to handle all emergency situations and to maintain the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Crew members are trained to respond quickly to disruptive passenger behavior and to ensure everyone’s safety.
In summary, due to special latching devices, cabin pressurization, and the inherent hazards of opening a door in flight, it is extremely unlikely that a passenger could open a commercial aircraft door in full flight. Safety procedures and aircraft design mechanisms are designed to prevent this and ensure passenger safety.
Recently, on a South Korean Asiana Airlines A321, a passenger managed to open a cabin door, but the plane was landing 200 meters above the ground.
A passenger opened an emergency exit door during a flight in South Korea, forcing the crew to land while it was still open.
Air blew through the cabin of the Asiana Airlines jet, slightly injuring 12 people. pic.twitter.com/Nl8HqXeiLb
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 26, 2023
