Passenger Ordered to Pay Air China ¥84,000 After Mistaking Emergency exit for Lavatory
Hong Kong – September 9, 2025 – A passenger has been ordered by a Chinese court to compensate Air China approximately ¥84,000 (roughly HK$84,000) after mistakenly opening an emergency exit door during a flight, believing it to be a restroom. The incident, which occurred on an unspecified date, resulted in important disruption and financial losses for the airline.
The case highlights the severe consequences of interfering wiht aircraft safety equipment. The court determined the passenger, identified as Zhang, was responsible for the costs associated with the unauthorized opening of the emergency door. Air China initially assessed damages totaling ¥1,258, with the airline covering ¥377 and Zhang liable for the remaining ¥881.
According to a report from Sina Finance, the full compensation amount reflects the broader financial impact on Air China due to the incident, including flight delays and safety inspections.The ruling serves as a stark warning against tampering with aircraft controls and underscores the importance of passenger awareness regarding emergency procedures.
