A 20-year-old mainland Chinese passenger on Cathay Pacific flight CX811 from Boston to Hong Kong attempted to open an aircraft door mid-flight on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, prompting swift intervention by cabin crew. The incident occurred roughly halfway through the 15-hour journey while the Airbus A350-1000 was cruising at 39,000 feet over the North Pacific.

Cathay Pacific confirmed on Friday that the man suddenly stood up, moved toward an emergency exit, and tried to operate the door handle. Trained crew members immediately restrained him within seconds, verified the door remained securely locked, and moved him to a different seat for the remainder of the flight. No passengers or crew were injured, and the aircraft landed safely at Hong Kong International Airport at 05:42 local time on December 11.

“The safety of our customers and crew guides every decision we make. 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,” the airline said in a statement. The case has been handed over to Hong Kong Police for investigation; officers met the aircraft on arrival and took the passenger into custody.

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Modern commercial aircraft doors are designed to be impossible to open at cruising altitude due to cabin pressurisation creating several tonnes of outward force on the plug-type doors. Even on the ground, multiple safety mechanisms and high arming levers prevent accidental or deliberate opening.

Cathay Pacific has offered counselling support to affected crew and passengers. The airline is cooperating fully with authorities while the man’s motives remain under investigation.

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