A KLM flight scheduled to depart Atlanta for Amsterdam was cancelled after a passenger opened an emergency exit door while the aircraft was taxiing on Tuesday night (25 November). Officials say 48-year-old Johannes Van Heertum panicked after believing he saw another passenger carrying a weapon. He called 911 from onboard and then opened the door, deploying the emergency slide onto an active runway.
Atlanta police say Van Heertum appeared to be experiencing a mental health episode. Officers boarded the aircraft, detained him, and had him evaluated by EMTs before charging him with reckless conduct, second-degree criminal damage to property, and interfering with security measures. He is currently being held without bond at the Clayton County Jail.
No injuries were reported, but the incident forced KLM flight KL622, operated by KLM Asia Boeing 777-200ER registered PH-BQI, to return to the gate and ultimately cancel its departure.