A Copa Airlines passenger was detained by authorities in Panama City on Tuesday after a flight from Brasilia, Brazil. Minutes before the flight’s arrival, the unruly man attempted to open one of the aircraft doors, which prompted the cabin crew and other passengers to intervene. Multiple people were needed to restrain the passenger, who was reportedly described as “too strong” by another person onboard.
The early morning flight was scheduled to arrive in Panama City just after 06:00, but was delayed about 20 minutes due to the incident. Details of the incident According to the New York Post , CM204 originated from Brasília–President Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport (BSB). Data from FlightAware shows that the flight was operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 9 and had left its gate at 01:53 on Tuesday.
By 02:18, it was airborne and headed northeast, reaching a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet. As the flight crossed over South America, it remained uneventful. It was not until a half hour before landing at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) when chaos ensued.
Cristiano Carvalho was onboard the flight, and described the incident to the New York Post. Carvalho said the man “went past the back emergency door after the warning” and then “started moving forward and trying to open it.” Aircraft delivery setbacks have reduced the carrier’s capacity estimates by as much as four percent this year.
Passengers and flight attendants reportedly sprung into action to stop.