A Korean Air flight KE189 was diverted back to Incheon International Airport on Saturday due to a severe fault, descending 26,900 feet in 15 minutes and hospitalising 17 passengers.
Korean Air flight: 17 passengers hospitalised
Nearly 50 minutes into the flight, alarms were triggered by a fault in the Boeing 737 Max 8’s pressurisation system, causing the rapid descent. The aircraft descended 26,900 feet in just 15 minutes.
Passengers experienced hyperventilation and ear pain, leading to hospitalisation for 17 individuals upon landing in Taichung, Taiwan. Korean Air stated, “17 passengers have been attended to by medical professionals in Korea, and have been discharged without severe injuries.”
With 125 passengers onboard, the flight was scheduled to fly to Taichung, Taiwan, at around 4.45 pm local time on 22 June. The aircraft returned to Incheon Airport three hours after takeoff, landing at 7.38 pm.
Despite the ordeal, there were no major injuries reported. The flight resumed the next morning with a different aircraft after investigations. Passengers described panic and distress, with oxygen masks deployed and children crying. One passenger, identified as Tseng, feared the plane might hit the ground.
A Korean Air spokesperson said the airline is investigating the pressurisation system malfunction and addressing maintenance issues before returning the aircraft to service.
Korean Air apologised and said, “We are fully cooperating with all relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. We have provided comprehensive support to affected passengers, including accommodation, meals, and transportation arrangements.”
Earlier incidences
Earlier this year, a Korean Air plane collided with a Cathay Pacific Airways aircraft in Japan with no injuries. Last year, Korean Air announced it would measure passenger weight for flight safety.
MORE: