Southwest Airlines passenger escapes through emergency hatch

A man was arrested after allegedly jumping out of an emergency hatch on a Southwest Airlines flight Sunday in New Orleans, climbing out onto the plane’s wing and attempting to run away as the aircraft was preparing to take off.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana said the man had been arrested Sunday evening after he escaped from the emergency hatch and ran out onto the tarmac at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

At the time of the incident, the plane was still parked at the terminal and had yet to push back from the gate for takeoff, WWLTV reported.

Photos show the emergency hatch dropping down as well as the moment the man was escorted away in handcuffs by police.

Witnesses at the airport said the man had been walking on the airplane’s wing before jumping down and running across the tarmac.

He also reportedly attempted to steal a service truck on the tarmac before being stopped by authorities, witnesses told the outlet.

Police said the man was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

His identity has not been revealed, and no criminal charges have been issued.

The sheriff’s office referred the investigation to federal authorities.

Southwest Airlines did not immediately return The Post’s request for comment.