Air Canada passenger in ‘state of crisis’ tries to open door during flight

An Air Canada passenger “in a state of crisis” had to be restrained after he tried to open a door during a flight from London to Toronto.

The elderly man was aboard Flight AC855 Sunday when he tried to open the door, which is not possible at cruising altitude, the Toronto Star reported, citing Peel Regional Police.

The cabin crew restrained the passenger “as part of their flight safety protocols,” cops told the outlet. He was met by police at Toronto Pearson International Airport about 3 p.m.

He was said to have been “in a state of crisis and confusion,” police said, adding that “it does not appear that his actions were intentional.”

The unidentified man was not criminally charged and “he and his family have been connected with additional resources,’ police told the Star.

“Our crews are experienced and managed the situation appropriately, allowing the flight to continue normally to its destination. As per procedures, authorities met the aircraft,” an airline rep told the outlet.

Air Canada noted that it is not possible to open plane doors at high altitudes because they “are designed to act as a plug that takes advantage of the differences in internal and external air pressure to create a secure seal.”

On Jan. 10, a passenger on another Air Canada flight opened the plane’s door and fell to the tarmac during boarding in Toronto for a flight to Dubai.

The man suffered minor injuries was taken to a local hospital after the incident, which resulted in a six-hour delay.