• Emergency exit opened at Chennai airport as incident triggers security investigation
• Temporary runway closure and probe launched into circumstances and safety procedures

Indian authorities are investigating an unusual incident after a passenger opened an emergency exit and left an aircraft while it was still taxiing on the runway following its landing at Chennai International Airport on Sunday.

According to initial information, the flight had arrived from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates and had already vacated the main runway, slowly making its way toward the terminal when the man opened the emergency door and stepped onto the taxiway.

Officials confirmed that security personnel responded immediately and managed to detain the passenger. They noted that the aircraft was moving at very low speed at the time, with no casualties or damage reported, and no injuries among passengers or crew.

Reports say the pilot alerted airport authorities immediately after the security breach, prompting a rapid response from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The passenger was later handed over to local police for questioning.

The incident caused a brief disruption at the airport as a precautionary measure. The main runway was closed for nearly an hour in the early morning, with flights diverted to an alternate runway during that period.

Preliminary information suggests the passenger may have been experiencing an unstable health condition during the flight, with reports indicating he complained of nausea before landing. It remains unclear whether this played a role in the incident.

Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the passenger’s identity, although initial reports suggest he may be from Tamil Nadu. Investigations are continuing into how the emergency exit was opened during taxiing and whether aviation safety protocols were properly followed.