Plane Passenger ‘Freaks Out’ and Opens Emergency Door Before Take Off

An Amsterdam‑bound flight was canceled Tuesday night after a passenger panicked onboard, claiming he saw a weapon — then opened the emergency exit while the plane was taxiing, deploying the inflatable slide, police said.

The incident occurred aboard KLM Flight 622 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The passenger, identified as Johannes Van Heertum, is 48 years old — though some early reports listed the age as 32 — and called 911 while on the plane, telling operators he believed another traveler was carrying a weapon. Police later said no weapon was found.

Van Heertum, who officers said appeared to be having a mental health episode, opened the emergency exit door while the aircraft was taxiing. The inflatable evacuation slide deployed onto the tarmac, sending flight crews into emergency mode. The pilots immediately aborted takeoff and returned to the gate, where officers boarded the plane and took Van Heertum into custody.

He was evaluated by EMTs at the International Terminal Precinct before being charged with reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, and interfering with security measures. He was then transported to Clayton County Jail.

All other passengers were rebooked on alternate flights, per KLM’s statement.

Several travelers described the moment the slide deployed as chaotic and terrifying. One passenger told reporters it felt “movie-like,” while others said they are relieved the incident happened on the ground and not in mid‑air.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. The passenger’s motives and mental state are still under review as part of the security and safety probe.