Passenger accused of opening emergency exit door on flight, deploying slide

A flight from Atlanta was delayed Tuesday after an unruly passenger allegedly opened the jet’s emergency exit door and rolled out an inflatable slide while the plane was taxiing, according to police.

The incident sparked security concerns at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and caused the flight to Amsterdam to return to the gate where officials boarded the plane.

Flight 622, operated by KLM Airlines, was later canceled due to safety concerns. FOX 5 Atlanta reported.

The passenger, 32-year-old Johannes Van Heertum, called 911 from inside the plane, claiming he saw another passenger with a gun, the Atlanta Police Department said. Investigators said Van Heertum panicked and took action, forcing the plane back onto the ramp.

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Police said Van Heertum was suffering from a mental health issue and was evaluated by emergency personnel before being taken into custody. He was charged with reckless conduct, destruction of property and interference with security measures.

He was then transported to the Clayton County Jail without incident and APD’s Homeland Security Division was notified.

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Aerial view of taxiways and terminal building at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta. (Smith Collection/Gado)

FOX 5 said KLM rebooked all remaining passengers on the next available flights. No weapons were found on the ship.

Emergency exits near the passenger seats of an airplane. (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis)

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Passengers told local media the incident happened quickly and was “terrifying” but no injuries were reported.

KLM Airlines did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.