Air travel safety protocols often raise questions—like why tray tables must be locked, window shades open, and seats upright during takeoff and landing. While such precautions are routine, one critical topic continues to spark curiosity: Can passengers ever open the emergency exit? The answer lies in strict aviation protocols and expert guidelines.
To clarify this, we spoke to Dhairyashil Vandekar, aviation analyst and expert, who explains when and how passengers are permitted to use an emergency exit.
Emergency Exit Usage: Only in True Emergencies
“Passengers are allowed to operate the emergency exit only during an emergency evacuation, and only when instructed by the cabin crew,” says Vandekar. “They should be aware of the exit’s location and understand how to operate it, but action must always follow the crew’s directives.”
Emergency exits are engineered to function even under extreme conditions, such as fire or impact. Many exits are equipped with automatic slide deployment systems to enable rapid evacuation. Their design and operation are governed by strict regulatory standards issued by aviation authorities to ensure maximum safety.
Aircraft Size Determines the Number of Exits
The number of emergency exits on an aircraft depends on its model and passenger capacity. Larger commercial planes are fitted with multiple exits on each side, while smaller aircraft may have fewer.
The placement and quantity of emergency exits are regulated to guarantee timely evacuation of all passengers under emergency scenarios.
What Do Indian Regulations Say?
In India, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) outlines specific safety procedures under CAR (Civil Aviation Requirements), Section 8, Series O, Part VIII. These rules cover announcements, safety briefings, and passenger responsibilities related to emergency exits.
During every flight, the cabin crew conducts a safety demonstration, which includes guidance on how to locate and use the emergency exits. Importantly, passengers seated directly next to these exits receive a personal briefing. This is especially relevant when no crew member is available nearby during an emergency.