A flight turned into a scene of turmoil as an unruly passenger reportedly attempted to pry open the emergency exit mid-flight. The drama unfolded aboard a Copa Airlines flight the night of Tuesday, with onlookers filming the ensuing scuffle. The video captures a crew member placing the troublemaker in a headlock while struggling to secure him with plastic handcuffs.
Chaos on flights is nothing new, as fights regularly break out on planes or passengers are highly bothered by their flight cabin mates. Local sources credit two quick-thinking passengers, Marcelo Ribeiro and Everaldo Torres, for subduing the disruptive individual. After spotting him meddling with the door, Ribeiro initially tried to engage the man, inadvertently sparking a verbal altercation.
Images from the incident depict the alleged culprit in his seat, a mix of blood splotches marking his face, secured by one person gripping his shoulder and another poised to prevent any further movement. Originating from Brasilia, the aircraft was on its trajectory toward Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Despite the ruckus, the pilot extended the landing time slightly, bringing the plane down safely.
Panamanian officials apprehended the man, still unnamed at this point, upon touching down at the airport, as reported by Luxury Travel Daily. In response to the event, Copa Airlines stated: "'On Copa Airlines flight CM204 from Brasilia to Panama, today, November 5, 2024, there was a situation during the landing phase.
