Plane Returns to Base After 13 Passengers Suffer Ear Pain

KOMPAS.com - Allegiant Air flight was forced to turn back on Monday (18 May 2026) after the pilot detected an issue with cabin air pressure, causing several passengers to experience ear pain. The Boeing 737-8200, bound for Atlantic City, United States, departed from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport in Florida at 09:20 local time with 187 people onboard. Medical and paramedic teams were promptly dispatched to the arrivals gate to provide first aid shortly after the aircraft landed, according to Aviation Today, on Thursday (21 May 2026). ‘In order to safeguard safety, the pilot immediately reduced altitude and decided to return to the departure airport,’ said Padgett. The airline said there was no emergency declared by either the crew or the Air Traffic Control tower. The plane reportedly landed normally and safely before all passengers disembarked via the usual gate. However, the cabin pressure change during take-off phase caused several passengers to report physical discomfort. Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Kane said paramedics conducted medical evaluations of passengers and cabin crew upon the plane’s arrival at the airport. ‘We treated a total of 13 people who reported severe ear pain or barotrauma. Three of them were evacuated to a nearby hospital for further assessment,’ Kane said, quoted by the Miami Herald. The flight to Atlantic City eventually departed again at 15:02 local time. As compensation, Allegiant Air offered a cash payment of $100 USD (about Rp 1.7 million) to each affected passenger. Passengers were also given the option of a travel voucher worth $150 USD (about Rp 2.6 million). ‘We apologise sincerely to our customers for the inconvenience caused to their travel plans,’ Padgett said.