A 32-year-old man, surnamed Lee, who opened an emergency exit door mid-flight on an Asiana Airlines plane on May 26, 2023, has been ordered to pay over 700 million won (S$683,400) in compensation to the airline. The incident caused the emergency escape slide to detach, leading to panic among the 194 passengers on board. The plane landed safely at Daegu International Airport in Korea, but at least 12 passengers were hospitalised for breathing difficulties.
## Background
The Daegu District Court ruled on September 8 that Lee must reimburse Asiana Airlines 727 million won (S$683,400) for the destruction and damage caused. This decision followed an earlier trial where Lee was prosecuted for his actions. The court’s ruling was based on the significant damages and the disruption caused to the flight.
## What happened
The incident occurred on an A321-200 plane flying domestically from Jeju to Daegu. Just before landing, when the aircraft was approximately 213 metres above ground, Lee opened the emergency exit door. This height is roughly equivalent to 70 storeys. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport initially estimated the damages at 640 million won (S$626,000).
## Arrested and went on trial
Two days after the incident, a court approved an arrest warrant for Lee, who was subsequently tried for violating the Aviation Security Act. In October 2023, the prosecution sought a six-year sentence. However, the court handed Lee a three-year sentence, suspended for five years, citing his feeblemindedness. A suspended sentence means that Lee will not serve time unless he commits another offence within the suspension period. The prosecution appealed the case and additionally charged Lee in March for causing injury to 15 other passengers, who were traumatised by the event.
## Future implications
The incident has raised questions about aviation security and how such breaches can occur. Asiana Airlines continues to investigate the circumstances that allowed Lee to open the door mid-flight. This case highlights the need for stringent security measures and protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The court’s ruling serves as a stern reminder of the severe consequences of endangering passenger safety.
