Flight Diverted to Memphis After Passenger Tries to Open Emergency Door

An AirTran Airways flight to Austin, Texas, was diverted to Memphis, Tenn., Monday evening after an unruly passenger tried to open an emergency door, according to Reuters.

AirTran Flight 265, en route to Austin from Baltimore, was diverted when a passenger tried to open a door in the rear of the plane, WREG-TV in Memphis reported late Monday.

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Southwest Airlines Co. spokesman Brad Hawkins said in an email late on Monday to the station that the flight was "safely diverted to (Memphis) this evening. I also understand there was an unruly customer among the 120 onboard (+ crew of 5)."

AirTran is a Southwest unit.

John Greaud, vice president of operations at Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, told the station the passengers were taken off the plane so officials could interview them and check the aircraft. He said the man, who was not identified, did not appear to be intoxicated.

The station said the man was detained by the FBI for two hours after the flight was diverted. Airport officials were working with the FBI to determine if any charges would be filed, the station said.

The diverted plane later completed its flight to Austin.

A Southwest spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

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In 2010, a United Airlines jetliner carrying more than 100 people en route to Las Vegas was diverted to Denver after a passenger tried to open a door on the plane while it was in flight.

More recently, in June, a JetBlue flight headed to Florida was diverted after it struck a bird shortly after takeoff from an airport in New York City's suburbs.