The South Korean news agency "Yonhap" reported that the Daegu District Court issued an arrest warrant today, Sunday, for a passenger who opened the door of an Asiana Airlines flight just minutes before landing in Daegu, South Korea. The passenger, in his thirties, was arrested when the Airbus A321-200 landed on Friday after he opened the door at an altitude of 213 meters, causing panic on board.
The court issued the warrant on charges of violating aviation security laws, stating that he might attempt to flee before trial. The warrant allows police to keep him detained for a longer period. No formal charges were filed against him during the hearing, and officials referred to the passenger by the surname "Lee."
Lee explained that he "opened the door because he wanted to exit the plane quickly," and expressed regret to the media while being transported to court for a hearing on Sunday: "I really feel sorry for the children," apparently referring to students on board who were taken to the hospital due to breathing problems. A fire department official stated that all were released after about two hours.
Yonhap reported that Asiana Airlines has stopped selling seats closest to the emergency exits of the Airbus A321-200 starting today, Sunday. A South Korean transport ministry official clarified on Friday that emergency exits can be opened at ground level or near it because the pressure inside the aircraft is similar to the pressure outside.
