A device and a control method are described for a swinging aircraft door (3), mobile around a swinging axis (21) substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft via a motorized mechanism and having integrated boarding stairs (31). The method includes the capture of electromagnetic or ultrasonic radiation using at least one sensor (401, 501); the detection of something on the stairs on the basis of captured electromagnetic or ultrasonic radiation, in order to deduce therefrom whether a detection condition is satisfied or not; and, driving of the motorized mechanism in order to control the closure of the door in response to a closure command except in case of detection of something on the stairway.