A Korean Air flight en route to Taiwan made an emergency landing on Saturday after encountering a pressurization system fault shortly after departing from Incheon International Airport. The Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, which took off at 4:45 pm local time, experienced issues over South Korea’s Jeju Island. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the plane initiated a rapid descent, plummeting nearly 7,600 meters (25,000 feet) in just five minutes, according to FlightRadar24 data. Passengers on board reported feeling the cabin shake violently, with oxygen masks deploying automatically.
Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scene, further amplifying concerns about the incident. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport reported that 15 passengers experienced hyperventilation and ear pain during the descent, highlighting the potential risks associated with such rapid altitude changes. Korean Air confirmed that 17 passengers received medical assessments at local facilities following the landing but were later discharged without serious injuries.
The airline stated that the aircraft, delivered to Korean Air in July 2022, was less than five years old. Passengers affected by the incident were transported to Taichung International Airport via an alternate flight on Sunday, as reported by the Taipei Times. This incident comes amidst a recent surge of emergency landings involving Boeing aircraft, raising concerns about potential safety issues.
In another incident, a Malaysia Airlines plane returned to Hyderabad, India, due to an engine fire, while a United Airlines flight from Connecticut to Colorado turned back after a piece of its engine cover detached during takeoff. Boeing aircraft have faced multiple challenges in recent months, including a Boeing 737 Max 9 Alaska Airlines jet experiencing a door plug detachment at 4,900 meters, resulting in a significant hole in the plane. Whistle-blowers have also alleged that Boeing compromised on quality control, further adding to the growing scrutiny surrounding the company’s safety practices.
Commercial flights have also experienced sudden altitude drops leading to injuries. A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar, resulting in one fatality and over 100 injuries, highlighting the potential dangers of unexpected air currents. The recent string of incidents involving Boeing aircraft and sudden altitude drops raises concerns about the potential for recurring safety issues, emphasizing the importance of rigorous safety protocols and continuous monitoring within the aviation industry.
