In recent years, incidents of passengers opening emergency exit doors in non-emergency situations have caused significant disruptions to airline operations and posed serious safety risks. A recent event involving a Buddha Air flight from Kathmandu to Janakpur highlights these dangers. Due to poor weather conditions in Janakpur, the flight was diverted to Biratnagar. As the weather cleared and the plane prepared for takeoff, a passenger seated near the emergency exit opened the door while the aircraft was taxiing.
This forced the crew to return to the parking area, resulting in a delay of 5 to 6 hours while technicians were flown in from Kathmandu to inspect the aircraft. This incident marked the third such occurrence in just a few weeks, following similar events on flights from Biratnagar to Kathmandu on October 2 and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu on October 7.
Opening an emergency exit door in non-emergency conditions poses serious risks to both safety and operational efficiency. Buddha Air’s Chief of Security, Pradip Bhatta, emphasized that these incidents create chaos and put passengers in danger. While passengers are briefed during the flight’s safety instructions about the proper use of emergency exits, some still disregard these rules, leading to significant delays and safety concerns.
Why Emergency Exit Doors are Crucial for Flight Safety
Emergency exit doors are an essential safety feature on commercial flights. They are designed to enable a swift evacuation of passengers in case of an emergency. For example, Buddha Air’s ATR aircraft is equipped with two emergency exits over the wings. These doors are tightly sealed during normal flight to maintain cabin pressurization at high altitudes. In the event of an emergency landing, these doors are meant to open quickly, allowing passengers to evacuate safely. However, if the door is opened in a non-emergency situation, it disrupts the cabin’s pressurization, making the aircraft unfit for operation until it has been inspected and cleared by a technical team.
The design of emergency exit doors ensures they can only be opened with considerable force, preventing accidental use. To further enhance safety, Buddha Air assigns passengers with the physical ability and willingness to assist in evacuations to seats near these exits. These passengers are individually briefed by the cabin crew about the importance of keeping the door closed unless instructed to open it in an emergency.
Criteria for Passengers Seated Near Emergency Exits
Passengers seated near emergency exits are chosen based on specific criteria to ensure they can assist in evacuations if needed. These passengers must be able to understand and follow instructions from the crew and be physically capable of operating the door. If a passenger refuses to take on this responsibility, they will be reassigned to another seat. Passengers seated near emergency exits are also asked for their consent, and they are thoroughly briefed on the potential risks and responsibilities. According to Bhatta, “Passengers cannot claim they were unaware of the rules, as they are given comprehensive instructions.”
The Impact of Unauthorized Opening of Emergency Exits
Opening an emergency exit door when it is not necessary can trigger a series of delays and complications. Buddha Air’s ATR aircraft can operate at altitudes of up to 16,000 feet, and the emergency exit doors are designed to maintain the structural integrity of the aircraft and cabin pressurization. While the doors are securely closed during flight, they can’t simply be closed again once opened on the ground. When an emergency exit door is tampered with, it requires inspection by a technical team to verify that it is safe to use and that it will not open unexpectedly during flight. This process includes clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
In the recent incident, Buddha Air technicians had to be flown in from Kathmandu to secure the emergency exit, resulting in hours of delay. If the incident occurred at a destination with no immediate flights to Kathmandu, further delays would have been inevitable as another flight would need to be scheduled for the technician. These delays not only inconvenience passengers but also compromise their safety, as the aircraft cannot be cleared for departure without a full inspection.
Legal Consequences of Opening Emergency Exits Unauthorized
Opening an emergency exit door in a non-emergency situation is a serious violation of aviation safety regulations. Under Nepal’s Civil Aviation Security Act 2015, this act is punishable by up to three years in prison. The penalties can be more severe depending on the extent of the disruption and the impact on passengers.
Bhatta emphasized that Buddha Air takes these incidents seriously and is committed to enforcing legal consequences to prevent future occurrences. The CAAN has also issued regulations that any passenger who damages or opens the emergency exit door in a non-emergency situation can face imprisonment, fines, or both.
Educating passengers about the importance of emergency exits plays a crucial role in preventing such incidents. Buddha Air, like other airlines, follows strict procedures to ensure passengers seated near emergency exits are fully informed of their responsibilities. Flight attendants provide general briefings on emergency procedures and offer detailed instructions to those seated near exits.
Conclusion
Recent incidents highlight the critical importance of adhering to aviation safety protocols to protect passengers and ensure smooth airline operations. Unauthorized opening of emergency exits can have severe consequences, from safety risks to operational disruptions, as demonstrated by the delays faced by Buddha Air flights. By educating passengers, following safety regulations, and enforcing appropriate legal measures, airlines can maintain high safety standards and ensure the well-being of everyone on board.