As some passengers continue to tamper with aircraft emergency exits, Korean Air decided to respond with a "zero tolerance" policy. It defined the act as a serious crime that directly threatens flight safety and plans to pursue criminal complaints as well as civil damages.
According to Korean Air on the 15th, there have been 14 cases of tampering with or attempting to tamper with emergency exits over the past two years. Even after the 2023 Asiana Airlines emergency exit opening incident, which posed a serious threat to flight safety and became a social issue, cases of passengers tampering with emergency exits continue to occur.
On the 4th, on a flight from Incheon to Sydney, a passenger manipulated the emergency exit door handle right after takeoff. When a flight attendant who witnessed it immediately stopped the passenger, the person said, "I was waiting and just touched it. I just tried it. It was a prank."
Earlier, on the 16th on a flight from Incheon to Xi'an, a passenger also manipulated the emergency exit door during the flight and said the person mistook it for a restroom.
Korean Air explained that manipulating or attempting to manipulate an aircraft's emergency exit door is a clear illegal act that interferes with flight operations and seriously threatens the safety of all passengers. Article 23 (Passenger's duty of cooperation), paragraph 2 of the Aviation Security Act specifies that passengers must not operate doors, exits, or devices on board an aircraft.
The penalties are severe, to the point that there is no option for a fine. Article 46 (Crimes such as assault on board an aircraft), paragraph 1 of the Aviation Security Act states, "A person who violates Article 23, paragraph 2 of the Aviation Security Act and commits assault, intimidation, or deceit that undermines aircraft security or operations, or operates doors, exits, or devices, shall be punished by imprisonment for up to 10 years."
There has recently been a case that led to actual legal punishment. In Aug. last year, a passenger on a flight departing Jeju opened the cover of an emergency exit lever and delayed the aircraft's departure by more than an hour, and was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and 80 hours of community service.
Korean Air plans to apply a zero tolerance policy without exception if a passenger manipulates or attempts to manipulate an emergency exit during flight. In addition to filing criminal complaints and seeking civil damages for actual losses, the airline will also take measures to deny boarding to the passenger.
A Korean Air official said, "We plan to actively respond to illegal disruptive behavior on board that impedes the safe operation of aircraft, helping to establish a culture of aviation safety."