SEATTLE- A transpacific All Nippon Airways (NH) flight traveling from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Houston (IAH) encountered an emergency landing in Seattle (SEA) after an individual onboard attempted to tamper with the emergency exit during flight on May 24, 2025.
The ANA Boeing 787, which was nearly nine hours into the flight, was diverted by the captain after other passengers and crew managed to subdue the disruptive individual.
According to reports, the incident transpired during ANA Flight NH174 on Saturday morning while most of the passengers were asleep.
The passenger at the center of the disturbance, whose identity has not been disclosed, suddenly rushed toward an emergency exit door. Quick-thinking fellow travelers, including two military veterans, along with flight attendants intervened promptly, managing to restrain the individual before any action could be taken against the exit mechanism.
Witnesses shared that the man was securely restrained in his seat and monitored closely until the Boeing 787 Dreamliner could safely divert to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Upon landing, video footage showed law enforcement boarding the aircraft and apprehending the individual without further disruptions.
A passenger named Ashley shared her experience of the tense moment, mentioning that the man appeared unwell before making a sudden attempt toward the door. She expressed deep appreciation for the calm and professional manner in which the two men responded; one of them confirmed his service in the Navy. Ashley highlighted the frightening nature of the incident as she sat nearby.
The aircraft was approximately three hours from its destination in Houston when the captain initiated the diversion. ANA later confirmed that the airplane landed safely in Seattle at around 4:20 a.m., where law enforcement and emergency medical services were already prepared for any necessary intervention.
Secondary Incident Heightens Tension
Following the landing, a second passenger displayed erratic behavior, heading to the lavatory and causing additional concern among passengers already rattled by the earlier disturbance.
Both individuals were escorted off the plane by local police, with the primary subject being taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Airport representatives later indicated that the initial incident was likely associated with a “medical episode.” As of Saturday night, no criminal charges had been made, and the condition of the passenger remained unclear.
Despite the chaos, experts reiterated that it is physically impossible to open commercial aircraft doors during cruising altitude due to the significant difference in cabin and external air pressure, which effectively keeps the doors sealed and ensures passenger safety even against attempted breaches.
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Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/05/25/ana-tokyo-houston-flight-makes-emergency-landing-at-seattle/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ana-tokyo-houston-flight-makes-emergency-landing-at-seattle
