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New operating guidelines require South Korean airlines to caution passengers about opening aircraft doors.
The recent rule change follows several occurrences where travelers attempted to open the emergency exits during flights.
According to JoongAng, the Korean government stated that the advice was part of a proposed change to the operational guidelines for airline companies. This is currently being evaluated until December 14, and a formal announcement is expected to be made during this period.
It is not clear if this regulation pertains to international airlines traveling to and from South Korea. The Independent has reached out to the Korea Office of Civil Aviation for clarification.
The new advice comes after a series of incidents in which passengers have tried to open the emergency exits while flying. In May, a man succeeded in opening the door of an Asiana Airlines flight shortly before it landed in Daegu.
Twelve individuals were harmed, and authorities later stated that the male in his thirties could potentially receive a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
The penalty of 10 years aligns with the aviation security laws of South Korea and is applicable to individuals who disrupt the plane’s entrances, emergency exits, or any devices that impede the security or operation of the aircraft.
In recent news, a female individual was taken into custody after attempting to open an airplane door during a flight from New York to Incheon. The cabin crew intervened and she later tested positive for the drug crystal meth.
At present, airlines in South Korea must announce that smoking, specific use of electronic devices, and any behavior that hinders the cabin crew from carrying out their duties could lead to arrest and legal action.
There have been comparable occurrences throughout the year, including an incident in June where a plane door unexpectedly opened on a chartered flight in Brazil, and a similar situation on a flight run by Russian carrier IrAero in January.
Source: independent.co.uk
