A KLM Boeing 777 preparing for an international flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam was forced to return to the gate and cancel its service on Tuesday night after a passenger reported seeing a gun and then opened an emergency exit, deploying the slide. Authorities later confirmed that no weapon was found on board the aircraft.
The incident caused significant disruption for all passengers. They were removed from the plane and rebooked on later flights.
Key Takeaways
- KLM Flight KL622 canceled after a passenger opened an emergency exit.
- The passenger falsely claimed to have seen a gun.
- No weapon was found on the aircraft after a police search.
- The incident led to the deployment of an emergency slide.
- The passenger faces charges including reckless conduct.
Emergency Unfolds on the Tarmac
KLM Flight KL622 was taxiing for takeoff from Atlanta International Airport (ATL), bound for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). During this time, 48-year-old passenger Johannes Van Heertum reportedly shouted that he saw another traveler with a gun. Several passengers seated nearby heard his statement.
According to police reports, officers responded to a call regarding a "person armed" on the aircraft. The flight crew immediately informed air traffic control about the escalating disturbance.
Incident Details
- Flight: KLM KL622
- Route: Atlanta (ATL) to Amsterdam (AMS)
- Aircraft: Boeing 777
- Date: Tuesday night, November 25, 2025
- Outcome: Flight canceled, passenger arrested.
Passenger Actions Lead to Slide Deployment
As the Boeing 777 began its return toward Ramp 9, Van Heertum ran to an emergency exit door. Passengers seated nearby attempted to restrain him. However, they were too late; the door was already open, and the emergency slide deployed onto one of the airport runways.
Upon the aircraft's arrival back at the ramp, police boarded the plane. They took Van Heertum into custody. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) evaluated him before officers charged him with multiple offenses.
"The crew reported an escalating disturbance to air traffic control, prompting an immediate return to the ramp," a police spokesperson stated.
Legal Consequences and Charges
Johannes Van Heertum faces charges of reckless conduct, second-degree criminal damage to property, and interfering with security measures. He was transported to Clayton County Jail, where he remains without bond.
The decision to return the aircraft to the gate was crucial. Radio communication from the cockpit suggested that the most effective solution was for police to remove the disruptive passenger immediately.
Reporting Suspicious Behavior
Passenger safety programs actively encourage travelers to report any suspicious behavior. However, unauthorized activation of emergency equipment, especially while an aircraft is in motion, poses significant risks to everyone on board and on the ground.
Operational Impact and Costs
The incident had significant operational and financial consequences for KLM. Even if undamaged, repacking an emergency slide can cost approximately $12,000. Repair or replacement of a damaged slide would add substantially to this figure.
The larger financial impact comes from taking a wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 out of service. This requires the airline to rebook a full transatlantic load of passengers. It also means providing hotel accommodations for stranded travelers and adjusting crew duty periods. These disruptions can create ripple effects across the airline's entire schedule.
Financial Strain on the Airline
The cumulative costs of such an event can easily reach six-figure sums. This includes not just the direct cost of the slide but also expenses related to passenger rebooking, accommodation, and crew management.
No injuries were reported during the incident. This highlights the decisive actions taken by the crew and air traffic control to minimize danger while the aircraft was still moving.
- Emergency slide repacking cost: ~$12,000
- Additional costs: Aircraft downtime, rebooking, accommodations, crew adjustments.
- Total financial impact: Potentially six figures.
Airline Response and Future Protocols
Following the cancellation, KLM promptly began rebooking passengers. The airline also initiated the necessary maintenance and inspection procedures for the Boeing 777 involved.
Events of this nature typically prompt internal reviews within airlines. These reviews focus on cabin response protocols, how to handle mental health-related disruptions, and procedures for addressing passenger-reported threats before takeoff.
Airlines continuously refine their safety measures. They aim to balance passenger security with efficient operations. This incident serves as a reminder of the complex challenges faced by airline staff and security personnel in maintaining a safe travel environment.
Travelers are always encouraged to remain vigilant and report any concerns to flight attendants or airport staff. However, direct intervention with aircraft equipment by passengers can create new dangers.
