12 Hospitalized As Passenger Opens Plane Door During Flight

South Korean authorities have detained a passenger after he opened a door of an Asiana Airlines plane shortly before the aircraft landed, the country's transportation ministry said on Friday.

The ministry said police had taken the passenger into custody and were investigating a possible violation of aviation safety laws.

The plane left Jeju Island and was carrying 194 people when the incident happened at around 12:45 p.m. local time, CGTN reports.

The aircraft was about 250 metres above the ground when the passenger opened the door opened.

The flight attendants were unable to stop the suspect because the plane was about to land, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing officials.

None of the passengers fell out of the plane or were hurt, but 12 people panicked and showed symptoms of breathing difficulty and some of them were taken to a hospital right after landing.

The suspect, in his 30s, was travelling alone.

He refused to explain why he did so, according to Yonhap, citing police.

Witnesses said the suspect attempted to jump out after opening the door, said Yonhap.