A major aviation scare unfolded at Chennai International Airport on Sunday after a passenger reportedly jumped from an arriving Air Arabia flight during landing, briefly disrupting runway operations and delaying multiple flights.
The incident occurred when the Sharjah-to-Chennai service, carrying 231 passengers, was in the final phase of landing. According to preliminary reports, an emergency exit door opened unexpectedly, and a passenger allegedly jumped onto the runway, triggering an immediate emergency response from airport authorities.
Incident During Landing Triggers Runway Alert
Officials said the passenger was identified as 34-year-old Mohammad Sharif Mohammad Najmuddin, a resident of Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu.
As soon as the incident occurred, the pilot reportedly halted the aircraft and alerted authorities at Chennai International Airport. Runway activity was temporarily suspended as emergency teams rushed to the site, leading to delays in several scheduled arrivals and departures.
Despite the alarming breach, officials confirmed there were no injuries to passengers or crew, and the aircraft did not suffer any visible damage.
Passenger May Have Been Unwell Mid-Flight
Initial inputs suggest the passenger may have experienced health issues during the journey from Sharjah.
Airport officials said he reportedly complained of nausea and vomited twice during the flight. Investigators are examining whether his physical condition may have contributed to the unusual mid-landing action.
The exact circumstances under which the emergency gate opened remain under investigation.
CISF Launches Security Response
Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force were immediately deployed after the incident. As part of standard aviation safety protocol, security teams secured the runway area while a bomb disposal unit also conducted precautionary checks.
The passenger has been taken for questioning, and authorities are also assessing his mental condition to determine what led to the incident.
Aviation Safety Investigation Underway
Airport officials have launched a formal inquiry into the breach of aviation safety norms.
Investigators are expected to examine whether the emergency exit was opened manually, whether there was any technical malfunction, and if existing safety procedures on board were followed properly.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict in-flight monitoring and emergency door security, especially during critical phases of flight such as landing.
Operations Resume After Brief Disruption
Runway operations resumed after the area was cleared and security checks were completed. However, the brief suspension caused a ripple effect across flight schedules at Chennai International Airport.
Authorities have not yet released further details on possible charges or medical findings related to the passenger.
