Korean Air Boeing aircraft's pressurisation system anomaly causes ear pain and nosebleeds in 17 passengers
www.dimsumdaily.hk
23rd June 2024 – (Seoul) On Saturday, a Korean Air flight operating a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft had to make an emergency return to Incheon, South Korea, while en route to Taichung. The incident was triggered by an abnormality in the cabin pressurization system, which necessitated immediate action. The aircraft rapidly descended from an altitude exceeding 30,000 feet to approximately 9,000 feet, causing discomfort and health issues for some passengers.
According to official reports, at least two passengers experienced nosebleeds as a result of the sudden pressure change. Additionally, the South Korean government verified that 15 passengers complained of ear pain and excessive breathing, with 13 individuals requiring medical attention. Fortunately, there were no reports of any severe injuries among the affected passengers.
The flight, identified as KE189, was carrying 125 passengers. It departed from Incheon International Airport at 4.45pm yesterday, bound for Taichung’s Qingquan Airport. Approximately 50 minutes into the flight, while flying over Jeju Island, the aircraft’s pressurisation system issued an error report. In response, the captain made the decision to turn the aircraft around, and it safely landed back at Incheon at 7.38pm.
A Taiwanese female passenger recounted her terrifying experience on social media. She described how the plane suddenly dropped shortly after the meal service, causing intense turbulence inside the cabin. The sensation was likened to experiencing five times the gravity of a roller coaster ride, and the oxygen masks were deployed. The passenger suffered severe pain in her ears and head, feeling dizziness, while children on board began crying. The cabin crew swiftly attended to the situation, securing the meal service and distributing oxygen masks. The moment the aircraft landed at Incheon Airport, the passenger expressed relief and gratitude for being alive.
Korean Air has issued an apology regarding the incident and is actively investigating the specifics of the flight’s return to ensure necessary maintenance measures are taken. Passengers affected by the incident have been accommodated on an alternative flight scheduled for Sunday morning (23rd) to continue their journey.
