A passenger on a flight from Taiwan to Ho Chi Minh City could face a large fine after attempting to open the emergency door thinking it was the toilet, local media reported on Thursday.

The 81-year-old Taiwanese man tried to open the door an hour into the Vietnam Airlines flight but was intercepted by another passenger, newspaper Dan Tri reported.

The man, who said he had mistaken the exit for the door to the toilet, could face a fine of up to US$960.

It is not usually possible to open the doors of commercial aircraft at altitude, as they open inwards and are held shut by the pressure in the cabin. But attempting to is still an offence.

Earlier this month, a 22-year-old student opened the emergency door when a flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi was still on the runway.

The student, who claimed he was a first time flier, said he opened the door to enjoy the view. The plane was delayed for more than two hours.

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