Airport staff have to deal with everything from unruly customers to people trying to smuggle items through customs. Still, it's a bit more unusual when an angry passenger decides it's a good idea to try and board a flight they missed by protesting on the runway.
Videos by Wide Open Country
According to a report by the Daily Mail, a 29-year-old passenger strolled onto the runway in front of a LATAM Airlines plane on Monday. The incident occurred at the El Tepual International Airport in Puerto Montt, Chile.
A video from fl360aero on Instagram reveals the passenger's bizarre behavior. The man squares up against the huge aircraft on the tarmac and appears to make gestures at the pilot. It doesn't take long for an airport staff member to approach him in a high-vis jacket. The passenger appears to argue with the airport worker but cooperates when a car with two other staff members shows up.
Airport staff escorted the passenger away from the aircraft, which promptly left the area when the runway was clear. Per FL360aero, a security guard and DGAC personnel arrested the man and handed him over to the police. Authorities have not revealed how he managed to get onto the runway unopposed.
The Passenger Has Had Run-Ins With The Law Before
Per the Daily Mail, the passenger reportedly missed their flight and was willing to do almost anything to get on board, including stopping the plane on the runway. Authorities have previously arrested the unnamed man for 'threats and thefts.'
Incidents like this are relatively uncommon, although rowdy passengers can cause chaos when planes are airborne as well. Last month, a man on board an Airbus 330 to Caracas, Venezuela, thought it would be a great idea to try and open the emergency door mid-flight. Fortunately, it's impossible to do so, as plane doors are mechanically locked. Cabin pressure during flight also means it would be impossible for a person to open the door alone, even if the locks weren't there.
The plane crew quickly apprehended the passenger, but not before he caused widespread panic throughout the aircraft. A staff member was also hurt during the scuffle and suffered a partial fibula fracture. Authorities reportedly detained the passenger the moment they landed in Caracas.
