Passenger Opens Emergency Exit Door on Taxiing KLM Flight at Atlanta Airport

ATLANTA, Ga. — November 27, 2025 — A KLM Airlines flight bound for Amsterdam was canceled after a passenger allegedly opened an emergency exit door and deployed the inflatable slide while the plane was taxiing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, officials said.

The incident occurred Tuesday when 32-year-old Johannes Van Heertum reportedly called 911 from inside the aircraft, claiming he saw another passenger with a weapon. Authorities said Van Heertum appeared to panic and opened the emergency exit door, forcing the plane to return to the gate.

Police and emergency medical technicians boarded the plane following the event. Van Heertum was evaluated for a possible mental health episode and subsequently taken into custody without incident. He faces charges including reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, and interfering with security measures. The Atlanta Police Department’s Homeland Security Unit was notified.

No weapons were found on board the aircraft. KLM Airlines rebooked all remaining passengers on the next available flights, according to local reports. Passengers described the situation as unfolding quickly and being “terrifying,” though no injuries were reported.

The flight, identified as Flight 622, was canceled due to safety concerns after the emergency slide deployment. KLM Airlines did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The incident caused a security scare at one of the nation’s busiest airports and highlighted challenges related to passenger behavior and airline safety protocols.