Passengers Suffer Nosebleeds, Boeing 737 MAX 8 Cabin Pressure System Malfunctions

Delhi: On Saturday a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet had to turn back because a problem with the cabin pressure caused passengers to get nosebleeds and ear pain.

Passengers on Korean Air Flight KE189, heading to Taichung, Taiwan, said the plane had problems shortly after takeoff on Saturday afternoon. Less than an hour into the flight, the plane returned to Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea.

Due to the malfunction, the Boeing 737 Max 8 had to quickly drop from over 30,000 feet to about 9,000 feet, according to Dimsum Daily Hong Kong.

The sudden drop caused severe discomfort and health problems for some of the 125 passengers. At least two people got nosebleeds, and 15 others had ear pain and trouble breathing 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 passengers needed medical attention, according to South Korean authorities. There were no reports of any severe injuries among the affected passengers.

One passenger said the sudden drops felt like a rollercoaster.

Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX 8

Last October, an Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX 8 had a similar problem and had to divert to Houston. On October 13th, an Air Canada service while flying between Mexico City and Toronto experienced a loss of cabin pressure as they departed the Mexican capital when the crew reported that the aircraft was experiencing a PACS problem (Pressurisation and Air Conditioning). The aircraft, was able to land without incident. No injuries for passengers or crew were sustained.