Safety at Altitude: How Airplane Doors Stay Shut

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 4, 2024 22:30 PMNews
Share:
Passengers seated inside an airplane cabin during flight
Passengers are secure at high altitudes due to advanced cabin pressurization. Source: pixabay

Flight safety often sparks interest among passengers, and one of the most common myths is the possibility of opening airplane doors mid-flight. While the mechanism to open doors is technically accessible to anyone, doing so in practice is impossible due to physical constraints.

Commercial airplanes typically fly at an altitude of about 30,000 to 38,000 feet (approximately 9-11 kilometers). At this height, the air is significantly thinner, and the pressure inside the airplane is maintained artificially. Outside the cabin, the pressure is much lower, creating a significant difference between the internal and external pressures. This difference is the key factor that prevents the doors from opening. To open a door at such an altitude, one would have to overcome a force equivalent to lifting over 9,000 kilograms, making it physically locked.

Airplane emergency exit door on the exterior of the aircraft
The design of airplane doors prevents opening at high altitudes due to pressure differences. Source: unsplash

The primary reason airplanes fly at such high altitudes is to save fuel and reach their destinations faster. At around 10 kilometers, the air is less dense, reducing drag and allowing engines to operate more efficiently. This not only decreases fuel consumption but also minimizes exposure to turbulence, which is more common at lower altitudes.

Cabin Pressurization: Why Is It Important?

Cabin pressurization is essential to maintaining comfortable and safe conditions for passengers. At high altitudes, the oxygen level in the air is insufficient for normal breathing, and without pressurization, a person would lose consciousness within minutes. Air is supplied to the cabin through a compression system, which takes it from the surrounding atmosphere and heats it. This process ensures the oxygen and pressure levels necessary for normal functioning.

Historical Incidents and Safety Lessons

Despite the high level of safety, history has seen instances where issues with pressurization led to tragedies. For example, in 1988, on Aloha Airlines Flight 243, part of the airplane's roof was torn off at 24,000 feet due to metal fatigue and corrosion. This incident highlighted the importance of regular maintenance and the need to adhere to flight cycle limits.

Opening the Emergency Exit: Rare Cases

While airplane doors remain closed mid-flight due to physical laws, exceptions are possible. In May 2023, a passenger on an Asiana Airlines flight managed to open an emergency exit at a low altitude when the plane was already approaching landing. In such conditions, the pressure difference is minimal, which allowed the man to use the emergency exit. This incident sparked a broad discussion about the need for additional safety measures.

Air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Modern technology, regular maintenance, and strict safety regulations provide reliable protection for passengers. Despite some incidents, thorough investigation of each case helps aviation become even safer, giving passengers more confidence when they are on board.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM