(Web Desk) - A man was arrested after he defiantly stormed out of an airplane’s emergency exit and walked out onto the wing after a four-hour delay at the Mexico City airport — but other passengers say he saved their lives.
The Guatemala-bound AeroMexico plane was parked and waiting for takeoff at the Mexico City International Thursday when the fed-up passenger exited the plane and then re-entered the cabin “without affecting the aircraft or anyone else,” airport officials said.
He then turned himself into the police, according to the airport.
However, scores of passengers signed a written statement claiming the airline made them wait for four hours without ventilation or water while the flight was delayed.
They said the man’s apparent outburst was “to protect everyone, with the support of everyone.”
At least 77 passengers aboard the flight signed the statement in support of the man’s action, which was handwritten on notebook paper, photos show.
An incident report filed with the airport confirms the passengers’ grievances.
“Around 11:37 a.m., a Mexican airline reported the beginning of a disturbance due to passenger discontent on flight AM672,” according to the report. “The flight had been due to lift off at 8:45 a.m. Thursday, but because of a maintenance alert on the plane, the captain had to return to the gate for the required maintenance.”
“The passengers were unhappy and one of them opened the emergency door and stepped out on the wing,” the report said. “This event required the plane to be changed.”
A video apparently recorded aboard the flight showed passengers fanning themselves and asking a flight attendant for water.
Flight tracking sites confirmed that flight AM672 to Guatemala City was delayed for 4 hours and 56 minutes Thursday.
It’s not clear if the man remains in custody or is facing any charges.