Air Arabia passenger opens emergency exit, jumps from taxiing aircraft at Chennai airport in India
Runway closure forces diversions and delays across multiple international and domestic flights
SHARJAH – Authorities in India are investigating a serious security incident involving an Air Arabia flight at Chennai airport after a passenger opened an emergency exit and jumped onto the taxiway moments after landing.
The aircraft, operating flight G9 471 from Sharjah, landed at around 3.23 am on Sunday before the disruption unfolded during taxiing towards its parking bay. The event led to an immediate runway shutdown, flight diversions, and operational delays during the early hours.
Reports in Indian media suggest the passenger was identified as 29-year-old Mohamed Sherif Mohamed Najmudeen, Indian media reported, with officials stating he is a resident of Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu. Security personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) responded rapidly after the pilot alerted ground control, locating and detaining the individual on the taxiway. He reportedly sustained minor abrasions after the jump and was administered first aid before being taken into custody for questioning by local police.
Officials confirmed there were no injuries reported among passengers or crew, and the aircraft was secured following the incident. The unusual breach prompted an immediate safety response, with authorities examining the circumstances that allowed access to the emergency exit during taxiing.
Flight disruption
Following the incident, Chennai airport’s main runway (07/25) was closed at 3.25 am as a precautionary measure. Operations were temporarily shifted to the secondary runway (12/30), allowing limited continuity of flights while emergency protocols were followed. The aircraft involved was towed to a bay at around 4.25 am, with runway operations fully resuming by 4.35 am, officials said.
The disruption affected multiple services, including the diversion of British Airways flight BA0035 from London to Bengaluru. At least five flights were delayed, including those bound for Doha, Ahmedabad and Dubai, with delays ranging between 35 and 40 minutes. Some departures and arrivals were managed via the secondary runway during the disruption.
Return service G9 472 to Sharjah was delayed for over three hours and eventually departed at 7.41 am carrying 109 passengers. Preliminary reports suggest the passenger may have complained of feeling unwell during the flight, though this has not been confirmed as a contributing factor. Investigations are ongoing into the sequence of events and aviation safety compliance.