The morning flight from Chengdu to Urumqi was delayed for nearly an hour, while airport ground staff shut the door, investigated the man and carried out further safety checks and procedures on the plane.

The man explained that he mistook the handle to the emergency door for a lever that could be used to roll down the window, CCTV News reported.

Passengers who deliberately open the door causing losses to airline companies face a fine and even a criminal detention.

Presently it is unknown whether he will face criminal charges or be blacklisted from air-travel.