Meth-addled passenger tries to open airplane door midflight in third such incident this year

A 26-year-old aiplane passenger was arrested after attempting to open the emergency exit during midflight.

According to the airport police on Thursday, the woman was on a Korean Air flight traveling from New York to Incheon when she attempted to open the emergency exit.

The woman tested positive for meth.

A person could be sentenced to 10 years in prison when trying to open the emergency exit. The woman could also face a prison sentence of up to 10 years or a fine of 100 million won for drugs.

This is the third time a passenger aboard a plane has attempted to open the emergency exit this year.

In May, a 32-year-old passenger on a flight traveling from Jeju to Daegu succeeded in opening the emergency exit 200 meters (700 feet) above ground.

The man was given a five-year suspended sentence. The Daegu District Court on Tuesday said it had decided to suspend the prison term as the man is in urgent need of mental treatment.

In June, a 19-year-old was arrested after trying to open the emergency exit on a flight traveling from Cebu to Incheon in midair.

The unemployed teenager also tested positive for drugs. The 19-year-old was sentenced to three years in prison.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]