Plane returns to FLL with cabin pressure issues; 13 treated for ear pain
Several people were treated for ear pain after exiting an Allegiant plane that returned to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport because of cabin pressure issues Monday afternoon, according to Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue and the airline.
Paramedics took three people to the hospital for evaluation, and treated a total of 13, said Battalion Chief Michael Kane, a spokesman for BSO Fire Rescue.
The Allegiant Air Boeing 737-8200 took off from Fort Lauderdale at 9:20 a.m. for Atlantic City with 187 people on board when the crew “received an indication related to cabin pressurizing during the climb,” said Sonya Padgett, an airline spokesperson.
The pilots leveled the plane and decided to return to the airport “out of an abundance of caution,” Padgett said.
“The aircraft landed normally and safely, and customers deplaned at the gate,” Padgett said. “No emergency was declared by the crew or Air Traffic Control.”
Paramedics evaluated the passengers and some crew members, Padgett said, adding the airline had no reports of serious injuries.
The flight was rescheduled and left Fort Lauderdale at 3:02 p.m., according to Allegiant’s website.
“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience this disruption caused to their travel plan,” she said.
The airline will issue passengers $100 cash and a $150 voucher, she said.
This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 1:42 PM.
