Chennai International Airport (MAA) temporarily closes its runway due to a bizarre security incident; after landing, a passenger jumped off the aircraft. Both departures and arrivals have been affected by this, and flights have been delayed.
Chennai International Airport
MAA is located in Tirusulam, Chengalpattu district, and is India’s fifth-busiest airport as it serves as a major hub for Tamil Nadu. It features three terminals (Anna International, Kamaraj Domestic, and an Integrated Terminal) with modern amenities including lounges, duty-free shopping, currency exchange, and multi-level parking.
The airport is managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and serves both as a key domestic connection and a vital international gateway for South India.
On May 3, 2026, a passenger opened the emergency exit of an Air Arabia flight after landing at MAA, causing a temporary runway shutdown.
The Incident
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, an Air Arabia flight, G9 0471, landed at MAA at 03:23 IST. Not long after landing, a passenger pulled open the emergency door and exited the aircraft on Taxiway V. This left the aircraft disabled on Runway 07/25.
The passenger was taken into custody by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the local police. As a safety precaution, this incident caused the runway to be temporarily closed by the authorities at 03:25 IST.
During this closure, at least four departing flights were delayed up to 38 minutes. These flights were flying to destinations including Doha, Dubai and Ahmedabad. A British Airways flight, BA0035, flying from from London Heathrow (LHR) was even diverted to Bengaluru.
Airport authorities managed air traffic via different runways while the disabled aircraft was towed clear at 04:27 IST, and runway operations resumed at 04:35 IST.
Have you ever experienced a bizarre incident like this at an airport? Let us know in the comments below!
