Emergency exits only for emergencies

A spate of recent incidents in which domestic passengers have tried to open emergency exit doors has caused significant disruptions and safety risks for domestic airlines.

The latest incident occurred on a flight from Kathmandu to Janakpur earlier this month when the flight had to be diverted to Biratnagar due to adverse weather. As the plane was preparing to take off, a passenger seated by the emergency exit door unexpectedly opened it while the aircraft was taxiing toward the runway. 

This forced the crew to return the plane to the parking area for safety checks, leading to a delay of over six hours as technicians had to be flown in from Kathmandu.

This was the third such occurrence in just a few weeks: on a flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu on 2 October and from Nepalganj to Kathmandu on 7 October, both on Buddha Air.

“Despite thorough briefings by our cabin crew, some passengers still do unauthorised openings of emergency exits. This not only poses significant safety risks to passengers, but also disrupts flight schedules,” says Pradip Bhatta, who heads Buddha Air’s security. 

Emergency exit doors are a critical safety feature on commercial flights, designed to facilitate quick evacuation in the event of an emergency, particularly on the ground. However, unauthorised use of these exits can disrupt cabin pressurisation, making the aircraft unfit for operation until it undergoes technical inspection. 

Buddha Air’s ATR72-500 aircrafts, for instance, are equipped with emergency exits that remain securely shut during flight to maintain cabin pressure, but if tampered with on the ground the door’s integrity must be checked before the plane can be cleared for takeoff.

In addition to the safety risks, these incidents have operational consequences because the airline has to fly in a technical team to inspect the door causing delays. Most airlines, including Buddha Air, only allow passengers who are physically capable and willing to assist in an emergency to be seated next to emergency exits. These passengers are also required to give consent to their role and can be reassigned if they refuse. 

Unauthorised opening of emergency exit doors is also a violation of law. Nepal's Civil Aviation Security Act carries penalties of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both, depending on the severity of the disruption. 

“So, it is not just a safety concern but a punishable crime,” Bhatta adds.