雖然統計數據顯示，搭飛機是現代最安全的交通方式之一，但難免還是會發生意外。情況嚴重時，可能還需要全機乘客緊急撤離飛機。延伸閱讀：《知識》飛機上哪個座位最安全？
現代商用飛機在投入營運前，必須證明在最高載客量下，即使只有一半的出口可用，也能在 90 秒內完成撤離。這是因為研究發現，機艙火災往往在 90 秒內發生「閃燃」，屆時火勢可能迅速失控，威脅到所有乘客的生命。延伸閱讀：《知識》搭飛機遇到火災該如何因應？
因此，飛機必須配備足夠的出口來滿足這個要求。 根據飛機型號，緊急出口可包含正常的登機門、服務門、機翼上的緊急出口，甚至駕駛艙的逃生口。只要是距離地面超過 1.8 公尺的出口，都必須裝設滑梯或其它安全裝置。延伸閱讀：《知識》關於飛機上的艙門
即使飛機設計符合規範，且機組人員定期訓練，實際撤離仍可能面臨許多挑戰，例如乘客執意攜帶隨身行李逃生，或為了等待家人而耽誤時間。延伸閱讀：《精選》搭飛機緊急逃生時帶行李會怎麼樣？
撤離飛機通常由機長下令，但若機長受困或無法指揮，資深空服員也有權下令撤離。空服員負責檢查出口外部的安全狀況（例如火勢、引擎是否關閉）、打開出口、部署滑梯，並大聲指揮乘客迅速撤離。
- 2024 年 1 月，日本航空A350在東京羽田機場降落時，與一架日本海上保安廳的飛機相撞並起火，整架飛機最終被燒毀。然而，機上 379 名乘客和機組人員全數成功撤離，無重大傷亡。調查人員對機組人員的冷靜與專業執行給予高度肯定。
- 2025 年 2 月，達美航空旗下的 Endeavour Air 執飛的 CRJ900 在多倫多皮爾遜機場降落時翻覆並起火，機上 80 名乘客和機組人員全數成功撤離。
上述兩起飛機事故證明，正確且迅速的疏散程序，加上乘客的配合，仍然可以提高生存機率。
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Emergency Evacuation on Airplanes
Although statistics show that flying is one of the safest modes of transportation today, accidents can still happen. In serious cases, all passengers on board might need to evacuate the aircraft quickly. Read More: Is There A Safest Seat On A Plane?
Before modern commercial airplanes are allowed to fly, they must prove that even at maximum capacity, and with only half of the exits available, everyone can evacuate within 90 seconds. This is because studies have found that a cabin fire can reach “flashover” (when everything ignites at once) within 90 seconds. At that point, the fire can become uncontrollable and threaten everyone’s lives.
That’s why airplanes must have enough exits to meet this requirement. Depending on the aircraft type, emergency exits can include the regular boarding doors, service doors, over-wing exits, and even an escape hatch in the cockpit. Any exit that is more than 1.8 meters (about 6 feet) above the ground must have a slide or other safety device.
Even when an aircraft meets all the safety regulations and the crew is well-trained, evacuations can still be challenging. For example, some passengers insist on taking their carry-on luggage or waiting for family members, which can delay the evacuation. Read More: What Happens If You Bring Your Bag During An Emergency Evacuation On An Airplane?
Usually, the captain gives the evacuation order. But if the captain is trapped or unable to give the order, the senior flight attendant can decide to evacuate. Flight attendants are responsible for checking the area outside the exit (for fire or if the engine is still running), opening the exits, deploying the slides, and loudly directing passengers to evacuate quickly.
- In January 2024, a Japan Airlines A350 collided with a Japan Coast Guard aircraft and caught fire while landing at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The entire plane was eventually destroyed, but all 379 passengers and crew evacuated successfully, with no serious injuries. Investigators praised the crew’s calm and professional actions.
- In February 2025, a Delta Endeavour Air CRJ900 flipped over and caught fire while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport. All 80 passengers and crew evacuated safely.
These two incidents show that with correct and quick evacuation procedures, and with passengers cooperating, survival chances can be greatly improved.
