Police Arrest Passenger After Emergency Slide Incident on KLM Flight

A disruptive incident involving a passenger on a KLM flight led to police intervention at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on the evening of November 25, 2025. The passenger, Johannes Van Heertum, aged 47, was arrested after he opened an emergency exit door while the aircraft was taxiing, prompting the deployment of the emergency slide.

As KLM Flight KL622 prepared for departure to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), Van Heertum raised alarm by loudly claiming that another passenger was armed. Eyewitness accounts indicated that he also called emergency services from the aircraft, insisting on the presence of a weapon onboard. Although no firearm was discovered following the incident, Van Heertum’s actions led to significant disruption.

Passengers reported that Van Heertum exhibited erratic behavior prior to moving towards the emergency exit. He opened the door, causing one of the emergency slides to inflate while the aircraft was still on the ground. This forced the Boeing 777-200ER to return to the gate, where police promptly took Van Heertum into custody.

KLM confirmed the cancellation of the flight, stating that affected passengers would be rebooked on later flights. The airline noted that the incident qualified as a costly disruption, with estimates suggesting expenses could exceed $100,000. This includes the replacement cost for the deployed emergency slide, which can range from $35,000 to $75,000, alongside costs related to crew scheduling and passenger accommodations.

In a statement, KLM emphasized that they had notified the APD Homeland Security about the incident. The airline also confirmed that all passengers from KL622 were booked on the next available flights.

Van Heertum was later charged with reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, and interference with security measures. According to airport police, he appeared to have been experiencing a mental health crisis, which a cabin crew member described to air traffic control as a “psychotic passenger” needing immediate deplaning. Following his arrest, he was transported to Clayton County Jail.

Flight Returns to Service Promptly

The Boeing 777-200ER involved in the incident, registered as PH-BQI, resumed service the following day, operating the same route to Amsterdam without further issues. Data from Flightradar24 confirmed that the aircraft is a 21-year-old model and has accumulated nearly 105,000 flight hours and over 12,000 flight cycles since its delivery to KLM in 2004.

After spending more than 24 hours on the ground in Amsterdam, the aircraft continued its operations with a long-haul flight to Taipei. Currently, it is scheduled to arrive back in Amsterdam from Houston at 07:05 AM local time.

KLM operates a fleet that includes over 30 Boeing 777s, divided between the 777-200ER and 777-300ER variants. The airline is set to receive its first Airbus A350s starting next year but has not indicated plans to order the newer Boeing 777X model.

This incident underscores the significant operational challenges airlines face when dealing with passenger disturbances, particularly those involving mental health crises. As airlines continue to navigate these complex situations, the financial implications remain a critical consideration in their operational strategies.