A 20-year-old man allegedly tried to open a cabin door aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX811 from Boston to Hong Kong on Dec. 10. Cabin crew secured the door, the plane landed safely and no injuries were reported. Hong Kong police arrested the suspect the next morning on suspicion of violating the Aviation Security Ordinance, and Cathay Pacific has turned the matter over to authorities.
Passenger Arrested After Trying To Open Plane Door Mid‑Flight On Cathay Pacific Boston–Hong Kong Flight
Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via GettyCathay Pacific Airlines plane in 2025
A 20-year-old man from mainland China was arrested after allegedly attempting to open a cabin door aboard Cathay Pacific flight CX811 en route from Boston to Hong Kong on Dec. 10, according to the airline and media reports.
What Happened
Cathay Pacific says the incident occurred on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Cabin crew responded immediately, checked that the door remained securely closed and notified the relevant authorities. "Our cabin crew immediately attended to the situation, inspected the door to ensure it was securely closed, and reported the incident to the relevant authorities and the police," a Cathay Pacific spokesperson told reporters.
Rick Friedman/Corbis via GettyBoston Logan International Airport
Outcome And Investigation
The aircraft landed safely in Hong Kong and no passengers or crew were injured. Hong Kong police arrested the man early the following morning on suspicion of violating the Aviation Security Ordinance. Cathay Pacific said the case has been handed over to police and emphasized that passenger and crew safety guides its decisions. As of Dec. 12, neither the Hong Kong Police Force nor Cathay Pacific had responded to additional requests for comment from PEOPLE.
Context: Similar Recent Episodes
The episode follows a string of recent mid‑air and ground incidents. In one case, an All Nippon Airways flight bound for Houston diverted to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport after a passenger attempted to open an emergency exit roughly four hours before arrival; two military veterans on board helped restrain that passenger. In another recent incident at Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, a passenger opened an emergency exit while the plane was taxiing; investigators said the person appeared to be experiencing a mental‑health episode and was later evaluated by EMTs and charged with Reckless Conduct, Criminal Damage to Property and Interfering With Security Measures.
Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via GettyA Cathay Pacific aircraft
"At Cathay, the safety of our customers and crew guides every decision we make."
Authorities have not released additional details about the suspect's motive or any formal charges beyond the Aviation Security Ordinance allegation. Local police will conduct an investigation.
Note: Incidents involving cabin or emergency exits are treated seriously by airlines and law enforcement. Passengers are reminded to follow crew instructions and to report any concerns to cabin staff.
