Rabat – A French-Moroccan man on a Transavia flight from Paris to Marrakech attempted to open one of the plane’s emergency exits during the flight, causing panic on board.
The 34-year-old allegedly suffers from psychological disorders. He was traveling from Paris to Marrakech with his mother on Friday, October 18. He tried to exit the plane just 15 minutes after takeoff, according to witness accounts.
Panic ensued, and crew members intervened. The man was restrained after struggling against the passengers and crew members who were trying to immobilize him.
One passenger told Business Insider that “everyone was screaming in the plane” while the man himself said nothing.
The plane had to turn around and return to the Paris-Orly airport. The rest of the passengers had to wait for another plane to Marrakech.
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Meanwhile, the man was transported to the airport police and placed in custody.
“A passenger attempted to open an emergency exit. The passenger was immediately controlled by the crew members,” says a statement issued by Transavia France on the day of the incident.
“The aircraft then landed at Orly without incident. The passenger was arrested by the police on his arrival,” the statement continues.
“We do not tolerate any behavior that could affect other passengers, crew members or flight safety.”
