TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Over a dozen passengers on a Korean Air flight bound for Taichung needed treatment after the Boeing 737 Max 8 jet experienced an uncontrolled depressurization on Saturday (June 22).
Korean Airlines Flight KE189 departed from Incheon International Airport at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday with 125 passengers aboard, reported Yonhap News Agency. However, 50 minutes into its flight, pilots detected an issue with the plane's pressurization system as it flew over Jeju Island.
The malfunction led to cabin depressurization prompting pilots to descend from a cruising altitude of 9,100 meters to 2,700 meters, reported Dimsum Daily. The sudden change in cabin pressure caused discomfort and health problems for some passengers.
According to South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, at least two travelers suffered nosebleeds and 15 reported ear pain and hyperventilation. Of these passengers, 13 were taken to local hospitals, but none of their conditions were deemed to be severe or life-threatening.
A Taiwanese passenger relayed her experience on social media. She said the aircraft suddenly descended during meal service.
She said oxygen masks were deployed and children could be heard crying. She reported experiencing pain in her ears as well as dizziness.
She lauded the cabin crew for quickly clearing the tray tables and assisting passengers with their oxygen masks. The pilots landed the aircraft back at Incheon International Airport at 7:38 p.m.
At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday (June 23), Korean Air used a different aircraft to complete the flight to Taichung. The airline apologized for the incident and is investigating the cause of the malfunction.
Videos posted by Taiwanese passengers from inside the cabin during the incident:
